Arsenal now plotting deadline day transfer with injured star being sent to specialist

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Arsenal could make a late move in the transfer market amid worries over Mikel Merino's injury. The Gunners midfielder was absent from the victory over Leeds after sustaining a foot problem before the journey to Elland Road.

The Spaniard is scheduled to consult a specialist regarding the issue, with Mikel Arteta confirming the former Real Sociedad star will undergo examination. Speaking on Saturday, Arteta said: "He's got an issue in his foot.

"It's a bone that's giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out."

The severity of Merino's injury is expected to become apparent over the next 48 hours, the BBC report. There are fears Merino could be sidelined for several weeks during Arsenal's Premier League title charge.

The injury leaves Arsenal in a challenging situation with barely 24 hours left of the transfer window. The north London club will be compelled to determine whether they are satisfied with their midfield depth, with Merino also providing an alternative choice to spearhead the attack.

The Gunners are considering a move, according to talkSPORT , as they contemplate how to cope without Merino's six goals and three assists in 33 appearances.

Arsenal were also missing Bukayo Saka due to an injury against Leeds . The England winger was substituted before kick-off after experiencing a problem during the warm-up.

Arteta suggested in December that Arsenal need to be ready to act in the transfer market to address unforeseen setbacks or chances.

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"The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, 'Okay, what do we need?'" Arteta said.

"And we have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that's a different story. But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it'll be very positive.

"When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 squad players. Although we have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable, we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to be this season."

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