Transfer: No major Deadline Day signing – so how do Arsenal cover Merino?

Arsenal searched around for a central midfielder to replace Mikel Merino. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted they needed to “find a solution” – adding: “We need players because we play every two or three days.”

Unfortunately, by the time the severity of Merino’s foot fracture was revealed, it was too late for Arsenal to find someone. So what do Arsenal do regarding central midfield, with Merino out for most of the rest of the season?

The reason why Merino’s absence is a concern for Arsenal is because it removes the main back-up option for Declan Rice in Arteta’s squad.

Rice has already featured 33 times for Arsenal this season while the Gunners have a minimum 18 matches remaining, though it will likely be more than that given this term. Rice will need a rest at some point, so who could fill Merino’s back-up role?

The main contender is Kai Havertz, who has played around 2,000 Premier League minutes as a midfielder – including against Leeds on Saturday. However, if Havertz was to start alongside another attacking option in Martin Odegaard or Eberechi Eze as Rice got a rest, it could lead to an unbalanced midfield.

Another option is Eze, who played in a slightly deeper midfield role alongside Havertz in the recent win over Kairat Almaty. In that game, he created six chances but also made 12 ball recoveries, highlighting how he can fulfil his defensive duties in that role.

There is also Myles Lewis-Skelly who was naturally a midfielder in his academy days. But the left-back has only played 30 minutes of Premier League football in the middle of the park. Christian Norgaard is another midfielder who can cover, but is predominantly a No 6 – rather than Merino who specialised at a No 8.

Arsenal also have the option to give free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a new contract, having been training with the club’s academy since December to build his fitness. 

The Gunners need to register their Premier League squad by February 5 – so have until Thursday to make up their minds on whether ‘The Ox’ is the answer.