The latest setback sees Mikel Merino set to undergo foot surgery, ruling him out for an ‘extended period’ according to the North London club, further stretching Mikel Arteta’s midfield options and threatening the balance that has made them serious domestic and European contenders.

Merino has played a significant role in Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign, scoring six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions and becoming an important part of Arteta’s rotation during a demanding season.

His absence adds to a growing list of concerns, with Bukayo Saka and Max Dowman also sidelined as the Gunners pursue silverware on multiple fronts.

Despite leading the Premier League by six points, finishing top of the UEFA Champions League league phase and holding a 3-2 aggregate advantage over Chelsea in the League Cup, Arsenal now face serious questions about their squad depth.

With the transfer window closing today, the club could yet explore a late opportunity to reinforce midfield, particularly if further fitness issues emerge during the run-in.

Arsenal could target Real Madrid midfielder amid injury concerns

Arsenal have been eyeing up 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Arda Güler from Real Madrid for a potential £87m move.

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué believes Güler, who has 10 La Liga goal involvements this season, would suit Arsenal’s style of play.

Guler has also attracted Chelsea's attention, but a report from Fichajes states that the Spanish club would need an offer in excess of €100 to consider letting him go.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Speaking to AceOdds, Eboué suggested the Real Madrid midfielder’s technical ability and comfort in possession align well with Arsenal’s approach, while warning that adapting to the Premier League would present a challenge.

Eboué highlighted Güler’s left foot, creativity and goal threat as qualities Arsenal values, though he acknowledged the club already possesses significant midfield depth and would need to weigh any move carefully.

He said: “If he comes to Arsenal, a team that likes to play possession football, Arda also likes that.

“He has a great left foot, and he can score, he can pass, and Arsenal likes that kind of player.”

Arteta would have to move quickly to secure a midfield deal before the transfer window shuts this evening, but late Arsenal drama could come if they want to protect their strong leads. 

Merino injury opens up more opportunity for summer signing Eze 

Merino’s absence places increased responsibility on Declan Rice, who recently reached 300 Premier League appearances just weeks before turning 27 and has already featured 33 times this season.

With Arteta keen to manage Rice’s workload, the situation could open the door for Eberechi Eze or academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly to earn extended minutes and stake their claim in the first team. 

Kai Havertz, meanwhile, continues to manage his fitness following an earlier knee injury setback.

Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

The margin for error is narrowing further with Ethan Nwaneri currently on loan at Marseille, reducing Arteta’s midfield rotation options during a congested fixture schedule.

Arteta has repeatedly stressed the importance of control and continuity in midfield, particularly during high-pressure Champions League ties and decisive Premier League run-ins.

With rivals waiting to take advantage on any slip, Arsenal now face a defining choice of trusting internal options to step up during the most demanding stretch of the campaign, or move decisively in the final hours of the transfer window to protect their position at the top.

For a side currently in pole position across competitions, maintaining their edge may depend on how Arteta navigates this latest injury blow and whether Arsenal acts before the window shuts.

Get the latest transfer with DAZN Transfer with Fabrizio Romano

Join Fabrizio Romano every Monday during the January Transfer window, exclusively on DAZN, for the latest transfer news and rumours. 

Watch for free live on Mondays at 7pm GMT / 8pm CET / 2pm EST, or anytime on-demand. Click here to watch the latest episode.