Injury Update for Merino: Arsenal’s Strategic Response and Transfer Window Considerations

omidbasir- Merino has netted six goals for Arsenal this season; however, he is expected to be sidelined until May due to a foot injury that requires surgery.

Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media regarding the situation, stating: “It is a very rare injury, so we must wait and assess the post-surgery recovery process. We will monitor his progress closely in the weeks following the operation. I am confident that Mikel will do everything possible to expedite his return. Nevertheless, it is crucial to respect the healing process, given the unique nature of the injury.”

When questioned about the possibility of seeking new players in the transfer window due to the loss of a key player like Merino, Arteta responded: “Losing a significant player for four months while competing in multiple tournaments necessitates a thorough evaluation of our options. If we find a suitable replacement, we will act accordingly; if not, we will continue with our current squad. At this level, especially over such an extended period, it is essential to bring in someone capable of immediate adaptation and impact. This is not an easy task, but we must strive to find solutions. We received the news a few days ago, and we are always proactive in every transfer window in case of unexpected developments. The recent loan of Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille was for the right reasons, and the news about Mikel was particularly surprising considering the expected duration of his absence. We remain committed to exploring all available options. It is our responsibility, given our competitive ambitions, to thoroughly assess the market and make informed decisions based on our evaluations.”

Arsenal has been linked with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, yet reports indicate that the Magpies are reluctant to part with the Italian international.

The Gunners have already made significant investments to enhance their squad for the 2025-26 season, acquiring a number of players, including Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Piero Hincapie, and Martin Zubimendi. These signings have propelled Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, secured a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, and advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the fourth round of the FA Cup.

With the transfer window closing at 7 PM in the UK, Arsenal has limited time to finalize any additional signings. The team is set to return to action on Tuesday evening in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, leading 3-2 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.