Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are “actively looking” for a replacement for injured Mikel Merino in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Merino, who has made valuable contributions in midfield and in attack for the Gunners, could miss the rest of the season with a broken right foot that will require surgery.
Arteta emphasized how important the Spanish international’s absence was in the battle for four trophies.
The Arsenal boss hopes his club can bring in a new signing to fill the void before Monday’s deadline.
“We are actively looking at options and will continue to do so,” Arteta told reporters on Monday.
“When you lose such a big player with four months left and all the competitions to play for, you have to look and we have to do everything we can to see if there is a player available.”
Merino’s loss was tempered by the return to fitness of German striker Kai Havertz.
There was further good news for Arsenal as Arteta revealed an injury that kept England winger Bukayo Saka out of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Leeds.
«Today he (Saka) was better. Let’s see how he reacts. It doesn’t look like anything too serious,» Arteta added ahead of the League Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
“We will have to wait and see whether he is available tomorrow or next weekend.”
Arsenal remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple.
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Arteta’s side have a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, have reached the last 16 of the Champions League and face third-tier Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
But the Spaniard is focused on reaching the League Cup final as his side’s first chance to end a six-year trophy drought.
Arsenal have a 3-2 lead over Chelsea ahead of the second leg on home soil at the Emirates Stadium.
«The next one is always the most important. And it certainly comes closest to a final,» said Arteta.
“We really have to create the atmosphere, the energy and the belief that we are going to do it.”
Published on February 2, 2026
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