arsenal suffered a major blow David Ornstein reveals Mikel Merino will be on the sidelines long-term with a foot injury.

The Spain international suffered a suspected fracture in his foot and now looks set to watch from the stands as his club battle for the title. Premier League.

This is a big blow for the Gunners, as he has played 77 games for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta Since his move from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has proven he has a knack for finding the back of the net, scoring 15 times in 77 games, including four in the Premier League this season.

Ornstein claims Arsenal are considering a short-term loan to replace the Spanish star amid the injury.

Arsenal in talks to sign Merino replacement

It is claimed that the Premier League leaders Negotiating signing matters Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has bolstered their midfield options.

However, any thoughts of a move for the Italy international have been dismissed as Mapgies do not intend to lose a key player in the final hours before the deadline.

Reported by journalist Graeme BaileyArsenal are today in late-stage talks to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder as a replacement for Mikel Merino.

The journalist claims the Gunners have made inquiries about a deal to bring the Germany international to the Emirates ahead of tonight’s deadline.

Goretzka is set to leave Bayern this summer when his contract at Allianz expires, but representatives have discussed a potential deadline for a move to Arsenal, bringing forward his exit from the Bavarian giants by five months.

The Gunners now need to strike a deal with Vincent Kompany’s side and convince them to part ways with the midfielder at the earliest opportunity, either on loan or on a permanent deal.

Why Arsenal should push to sign Leon Goretzka

The Premier League leaders should try to complete a deal for the German midfielder before the deadline as he would be an ideal replacement for Merino.

Arteta is looking to win his first Premier League title for the club, and signing a serial winner who can add some real quality to the squad could be the small boost Arsenal need to overcome in the coming months.

To be fair, Goretzka knows a thing or two about winning trophies. The veteran midfielder won 14 trophies during his time in Bavaria, winning six Bundesliga titles and could have won another seven had he stayed until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old star has only scored one goal in the Bundesliga so far this season, but his highlight-reel performance in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season in the video above shows why he could be Merino’s replacement.

Like the injured Arsenal star, Goretzka is a strong defensive midfielder who can also score goals throughout the season, meaning he could be the perfect signing to replace Merino in the team.

As you can see in the table above, the Bayern star has averaged between six and seven goals per season in all competitions for the club over the past seven full seasons.

It shows he has the ability and skill to provide Arsenal with a goalscoring threat in their bid for the Premier League title, replacing the threat Merino offers in that area of ​​the pitch.

In addition to this, Goretzka won 59% of ground duels for Bayern Munich in the 2025/26 Bundesliga, while Merino won 51% of the Premier League’s wins as a fighting midfielder.

This German star, Known as “the machine” Aleksandar Pavlović could provide a similar, and perhaps even stronger, presence in midfield as an enforcer, winning duels and disrupting games for the Gunners across the pitch.

Relevant

Tottenham Hotspur join race to sign ‘excellent’ player at late stage, could hold Arsenal hostage

Tottenham are eager to bring in a new striker.

Therefore, Goretzka could be an excellent signing as Merino’s dream replacement, given his experience, ability and defensive performance in midfield.