From Frattesi to Tonali - who will replace Merino?

Injuries have been Arsenal’s biggest enemy over the past three seasons. Every time the London Gunners build momentum, injury problems emerge — especially in the second half of the season, when the title race heats up. Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and Kai Havertz have all recovered after spending significant time on the sidelines, but at Arsenal, nothing ever goes perfectly. Just as everyone had recovered and Mikel Arteta could, for the first time in who knows how long, count on a fully fit squad, a major blow arrived — team “joker” Mikel Merino suffered a serious injury. Because of an injury to the right foot — specifically a bone fracture in that area — the Spanish all-rounder will need surgery, which means he will be out for a long time, possibly until the end of the season.

It would therefore come as no surprise if Arsenal were to act swiftly on the market and bring in a replacement before the transfer window closes to cover for Merino’s absence. Arsenal still have time to sort something out, as the Premier League winter transfer window closes on Monday at 20:00. Some sources suggest that the league leaders could turn to a loan move for a midfielder while there is still time, as they still have Declan Rice, Christian Norgaard, and Martín Zubimendi to cover the “six” and “eight” roles. But if, for example Declan Rice were to get injured as well, Arsenal would suddenly be short of physical power in the center of the pitch. His usual partner, Martín Zubimendi, is not weak in that respect, but he is primarily a tempo-setter who links the team’s lines. Christian Norgaard — signed from Brentford in 2025 as a defensive midfield option — has played just 31 minutes in the Premier League this season, which suggests Arteta sees him as little more than a backup.

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That is why, according to The Athletic, Arsenal are scanning the market for potential loan options in search of a short-term solution. Several players across Europe offer profiles similar to Merino’s, though availability is the main issue. The first name on the list is Inter’s Davide Frattesi, who has long been linked with a move away from Milan. His profile is similar to Merino’s and would suit Arsenal well, but it is unlikely Inter would agree to a loan without either an obligation to buy or performance-related clauses that would trigger a permanent transfer.

Next on the list is Bayern Munich’s Germany international Leon Goretzka, who fits the profile of a physically strong, aggressive midfielder. Bayern confirmed on Friday that they will not extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season, but it is expected that the 30-year-old will see out his deal. Goretzka’s status at Bayern has declined under Vincent Kompany, yet he has still started 15 of 20 Bundesliga matches this season. It would not be surprising if Arsenal were to inquire about him. Another former Arsenal player is also mentioned: Dani Ceballos, who is yet another midfielder capable of covering what Merino offers. This is especially relevant given how much he enjoys playing under Mikel Arteta, something he emphasized when he extended his loan by another year during his time in north London.

Among Premier League midfielders, Joao Gomes is also mentioned. He has been one of the few bright spots in a struggling Wolverhampton side and has established himself as a box-to-box midfielder who carries the Wolves’ entire midfield on his shoulders. Among Premier League midfielders this season, only Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has completed more successful dribbles than Gomes, who is also among the best in the league when it comes to tackles on opposing players. It seems unlikely Wolves will avoid relegation with or without Gomes, but they would still demand a high fee for one of their best players. And it is questionable whether they would even consider a loan until the end of the season.

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Just this mourning, reports from Germany and Italy suggested that Sandro Tonali is the name mentioned, but beat journalists from Newcastle rejected that idea as the Italian has a three and half year contract and is not for sale. There do not appear to be many viable short-term replacements for Merino, but that will not stop Arsenal from looking. His absence is a major blow, but Arteta’s team are generally in good health and should have enough quality to cope while chasing the Premier League title. The clock is ticking, and the question remains whether Arsenal will find the right replacement for Merino before the deadline.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 24

Saturday

Brighton - Everton 1-1 (0-0)

/Gross 73 - Beto 90+7/

Wolves - Bournemouth 0-2 (0-1)

/Kroupi 33, Scott 90+1/

Leeds United - Arsenal 0-3 (0-2)

/Zubimendi 27, Darlow og 38, Gyokeres 69/

Chelsea - West Ham 3-2 (0-2)

/Pedro 57, Cucurella 70, Enzo F. 90+2 - Bowen 7, Summerville 36/

Liverpool - Newcastle 4-1 (2-1)

/Ekitike 41,43, Wirtz 67, Konate 90+3 - Gordon 36/

Sunday

Aston Villa - Brentford 0-1 (0-1)

/Outtara 45+1/

Manchester United - Fulham 3-2 (1-0)

/Casemiro 19, Cunha 56, Sesko 90+4 - Jimenez 85 pen, Kevin 90+1/

Nottingham Forest - Crystal Palace 1-1 (1-1)

/Gibbs-White 5 - Sarr 45+2 pen/

Tottenham - Manchester City 2-2 (0-2)

/Solanke 53, 70 - Cherki 11, Semenyo 44/

Monday

23.00: (1.80) Sunderland (3.70) Burnley (4.90)

***odds are subject to change***