Arsenal could launch a last-minute transfer swoop amid worries over Mikel Merino’s injury setback. The Gunners midfielder was absent from the victory against Leeds following a foot problem sustained before the journey to Elland Road. The Spanish international is scheduled to consult a specialist regarding the issue, with Mikel Arteta confirming the former Real Sociedad ace will undergo further tests. Arteta revealed: “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 Athletic claim that Merino has suffered a broken bone in his foot and there are fears Merino could be sidelined for several weeks during Arsenal’s Premier League title charge.

The setback places Arsenal in a tricky situation with barely 24 hours left of the transfer window. They are currently scanning the market in search of a short-term signing that could provide adequate cover for the 29-year-old.

Though there is no guarantee of any incoming before Monday’s deadline, which is at 7pm.

There is no current timeline for Merino’s return, but his absence will be felt, especially as he has performed as both a midfielder and a forward under Arteta.

Arteta suggested in December that Arsenal need to remain ready to act in the transfer market when faced with unforeseen setbacks or chances.

“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.”