Arsenal’s quest for a first team reinforcement to cover for the injured Mikel Merino ended in frustration as the transfer window slammed shut, forcing Mikel Arteta to rely on his existing squad for the Premier League title run in.
The Gunners had explored a late move for midfield cover after Merino’s foot injury raised alarms, but Arteta admitted a suitable candidate never materialised. “We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. And if we don’t, we keep what we have,” the manager stated on Monday, acknowledging the difficulty of finding an instant impact player mid season.
In a dramatic twist, rumours swirled on deadline day that Sandro Tonali’s representatives had offered the Newcastle midfielder to the Emirates hierarchy. However, the Italian’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, flatly denied any contact. “We never had any conversation with Arsenal,” Riso told Sky Italia. “Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
With the senior squad untouched, the club’s only confirmed business came in the form of two academy additions. Arsenal secured 18 year old forward Evan Mooney from St Mirren for an initial £400,000, with significant add ons and a sell on clause attached. They also wrapped up a deal for versatile Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon, 18, for a fee close to £500,000.
While the youngsters represent investments for the future, their arrivals do little to address the immediate concern of squad depth for the title chase. With Merino sidelined, the pressure now falls on the likes of Jorginho and Emile Smith Rowe to step up, and on Arteta to work his coaching magic. A window that promised a decisive late addition has ended with a whimper, leaving the Gunners’ title hopes resting solely on the players who got them to the top.
