Arsenal have identified a surprise replacement for injured midfielder Mikel Merino on deadline day, it has been reported.
The Gunners announced on Sunday that Merino had suffered a foot injury during the closing stages of last month's 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, and will now undergo surgery.
He is expected to resume training before the end of the season, but will be out for the club say is an 'extended period'.
Prior to deadline day, Arsenal hadn't completed any incoming transfer business, with their dealings focused on moving players on.
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"Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season," an Arsenal club statement read.
"Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
But according to The Athletic's Conor O'Neill, Arsenal are set to enter the loan market for 'short-term cover' for Merino, though it is unclear as to whether any deal will be completed before the 7pm deadline on Monday.
In November, The Telegraph reported that the Gunners were tracking Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, who plays for La Liga side Elche and has a release clause of £17.5 million.
His contract expires in the summer, but it was claimed that a move in the winter window was not off the table.
Football.London, meanwhile, suggest that a move for 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, which was planned for the summer, could be fast-tracked.
Former Gunners midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with the first team in recent days following Merino's injury, but manager Mikel Arteta has previously stated that the arrangement is to allow Oxlade-Chamberlain to regain fitness as he searches for a new club.
Ethan Nwaneri could have been a potential replacement for Merino, but has been loaned out to Marseille until the end of the season.
Should a loan be pursued, the Gunners have three remaining loan spots available, having signed Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the season. The Ecuador international will make the move permanent in the summer.
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League by six points with 14 games to go following their 4-0 win over Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday.
Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football
Ryan Smart