Arsenal have adjusted their January planning after Mikel Merino was ruled out following a foot injury in the recent league defeat to Manchester United.
The club confirmed that the Spain midfielder has a bone issue that requires surgery, with the procedure scheduled in the coming days and a period of rehab to follow during a busy phase of the season.
With the January market nearing its close, Arsenal have yet to register an incoming player this month. Internal discussions have centred on the loan market, where a temporary deal would allow the club to add cover without committing to a long contract or extended talks.
Any move would need to be completed before the Premier League registration cut-off at 7 pm today, 2 February.
Arsenal looking to sign Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves has been mentioned because of prior links with Arteta during his spell in England. The Portugal international, now 28, built his profile at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he served as captain and made more than 250 appearances before his move to Saudi Arabia.
Neves is currently with Al-Hilal, and his existing deal runs to the summer. That contract detail led to strong links last month with a return to Europe, as some clubs tracked his status during the winter window.
Recent reports, however, indicate that Neves is in advanced talks over a new agreement with the Riyadh club. Those discussions have reduced the prospect of a January exit, and there has been no sign that Al-Hilal would consider a loan in the current window.
