Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations have hit a significant snag with news of a potential long-term injury to key midfielder Mikel Merino. The Spanish international, who has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's midfield engine room this season, is suspected to have suffered a broken foot during training ahead of the Gunners' recent victory over Leeds United. As the transfer window edges towards its 7pm GMT closure on Monday, February 1, 2026, Arsenal are reportedly considering a late deadline-day signing to bolster their squad depth amid this injury blow.
Merino's Injury: A Timeline of Concern
The 30-year-old Merino sat out Arsenal's hard-fought Premier League win at Elland Road on Saturday, where the team secured a vital three points to maintain their six-point lead at the summit. Post-match, Arteta confirmed the midfielder's absence was due to a foot issue, describing it as a "bone that's giving him some pain." The manager revealed that Merino would consult specialists for further assessments, but early indications suggest a fracture that could sideline him for several weeks or more.
This development comes at a precarious time for Arsenal, who are juggling domestic and European commitments. Merino's versatility has been invaluable; not only has he anchored the midfield, but he's also filled in as a makeshift forward during injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last season. His absence leaves the Gunners relying on a thinned midfield pool, including Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and captain Martin Odegaard.
Season Impact and Stats Spotlight
Merino's contributions this campaign have been understated yet crucial. In 33 appearances across all competitions, he has notched six goals and three assists, providing both defensive solidity and creative flair. His work rate and tactical intelligence have helped Arsenal transition seamlessly from defense to attack, a key factor in their unbeaten run through the Champions League league phase—eight wins from eight matches.
Without him, Arsenal's midfield balance could tilt, especially with winger Bukayo Saka also nursing an injury that saw him withdraw during the warm-up against Leeds. Youngster Max Dowman remains sidelined too, exacerbating concerns over squad availability as Arteta chases silverware on four fronts.
Transfer Window Maneuvers: Arteta's Deadline Strategy
Arsenal's winter transfer activity has been conspicuously quiet following a blockbuster ÂŁ260.5 million summer splurge. Arteta, however, has kept the door ajar for opportunistic moves. In late December, he emphasized the need for preparedness: "The window is there... we have to be actively looking... our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen."
Merino's injury has now thrust this preparation into sharp focus. Sources indicate the club is exploring options for a midfield reinforcement, potentially dipping into the loan market or targeting undervalued talents to avoid inflating the wage bill. With the Premier League deadline fast approaching, any deal would need to be swift—echoing past deadline dramas that have defined Arteta's tenure.
Squad Depth Under Scrutiny
Currently, Arsenal's midfield options are stretched thin. Rice and Odegaard form the core, but Zubimendi's integration is ongoing, and Norgaard's role is more peripheral. Merino's ability to rotate positions adds flexibility, particularly in a congested fixture list that includes the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea (Arsenal lead 3-2), an FA Cup fourth-round clash with Wigan Athletic, and Champions League knockout stages.
Arteta's comments post-Leeds highlight the injury toll: "We have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable." This sentiment underscores the urgency for reinforcements, as maintaining depth is pivotal for a title challenge in a league where rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool lurk.
Broader Implications for Arsenal's Campaign
The Gunners' position atop the Premier League table is a testament to their resilience, but Merino's potential absence tests that resolve. A lengthy layoff could disrupt the rhythm that has propelled them to dominance, forcing tactical tweaks. Arteta might lean on academy prospects or shift Odegaard deeper, but such adjustments risk exposing vulnerabilities against high-pressing sides.
Looking ahead, Arsenal's medical team is also monitoring Saka's condition, which could compound the crisis if the England star's absence extends. The club's summer investments in quality over quantity now face a real-world stress test—can they navigate this without derailing their quadruple dreams?
In the cutthroat world of modern football, injuries like Merino's are the great equalizers. As deadline day unfolds, all eyes will be on the Emirates for signs of incoming talent. For now, Arsenal fans hold their breath, hoping specialist scans bring better news than feared.
This situation mirrors broader trends in the Premier League, where injury management and transfer agility define success. Arsenal's response could set the tone for the run-in, reinforcing their status as genuine contenders or exposing chinks in the armor.
