Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is “actively exploring options” to replace Mikel Merino before the transfer deadline.
Versatile midfielder Merino is set to miss the rest of the season with a broken foot, with the Gunners linked with an ambitious project for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
It seems unlikely, but Arsenal are keen to secure a replacement before the 7pm deadline if they can.
Arteta said: “We are actively exploring options and we will continue to do so.
“When you lose a great player like this with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you have to look and we have to do everything we can to see if a player is available, and if not, we keep what we have.
“You need a player who has the ability to adapt immediately and make an impact on the team and it’s not easy, but if it was easy we wouldn’t be here, so we have to find solutions and try.
“Yes, we have more depth now (than last season), but for the last seven months we haven’t because we have had players absent. We know the demands and we need players because we play every two or three days.
“I wouldn’t say I’m relaxed. We’re there. It’s our responsibility.
“When we play for what we play for, we have to give ourselves the best opportunity and the best chance to look at the market, all the options, evaluate them, and then make a decision if we can do something, if it’s possible.”
Arsenal face Chelsea on Tuesday in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final.
