Arsenal star ‘stuck’ as Arteta seeks solution to Merino injury blow

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 2 Feb 2026 07:39 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

An injury to Mikel Merino has sparked rumours of late transfer movement at Arsenal on Deadline Day, with Sandro Tonali linked with an unlikely move to the Emirates as a recall for Ethan Nwaneri has been touted.

Arsenal confirmed on Sunday that Merino requires surgery after injuring a bone in his right foot, which is poised to keep him out for much of the rest of the season.

The Gunners released a statement indicating that he will be out for an “extended period” but reports indicate that the midfielder should be fit to play for Spain at the World Cup.

Merino’s injury threatens to disrupt Arsenal’s title push, though. He has four goals and three assists across 21 Premier League matches, establishing himself in the process as something of an unsung hero in North London.

Arsenal, therefore, face something of a puzzle as to replacing him.

Can Arsenal recall Ethan Nwaneri?

Tonali has been linked with a shock Deadline Day move from Newcastle but a more credible option seemed to be recalling Ethan Nwaneri from his loan spell with Marseille.

Nwaneri has made a positive start at Roberto De Zerbi’s side, although OM have slid into crisis over the course of the last week, putting the Italian’s place at the helm of the club under threat.

This was a turn of events that Arteta would not have welcomed and might have fuelled Arsenal’s desire to bring Nwaneri back to the Emirates – but it has emerged that they are powerless to do so.

There is no recall clause in the deal that took the 18-year-old to France, according to The Sun, leaving him “stuck” in France.

Any business that Arsenal conduct on Deadline Day will come late in the market, but it appears that Arteta may be forced to stick with the squad he’s got at his disposal.

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