Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is “actively looking at options” to replace Mikel Marino ahead of the transfer deadline.

Versatile midfielder Merino is set to miss the rest of the season with a broken leg, with the Gunners linked with an ambitious move. Sandro Tonali of Newcastle.

It seems unlikely but Arsenal would like to get a replacement in place before the 7pm deadline if they can.

Arteta said: “We are actively looking at options and we will continue to do so.

“When you lose a big player like this with four months to go, and all the competitions to play, you need to look and we need 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 can adapt immediately and impact the team and it’s not easy, but if it was easy we wouldn’t be here, so we need to try and find solutions.

“Yes, we have more depth now (than last season) but for seven months we haven’t because we have players out. We know the demand and we need players because we play every two-three days.

“I wouldn’t say I’m relaxed. We’re on it. It’s our responsibility.

“When we’re playing for what we’re playing for, we need to give ourselves the best chance and opportunity to look at the market, every option, evaluate it and then decide if we can do something, if possible.”

Arsenal face Chelsea in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final on Tuesday.