Arsenal are entering a tense and emotional phase of the season, and Mikel Arteta knows it. With trophies still on the line and the transfer deadline fast approaching, every decision now carries heavy weight. One injury, one possible comeback, and one honest press conference have opened the door to big questions at the Emirates.
The biggest concern is the injury to Mikel Merino. The midfielder picked up a serious foot problem during Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United. The injury is bad enough to require surgery, and it is expected to keep him out for a long time. For a team fighting on multiple fronts, this is a huge blow.
Arteta did not hide how serious the situation is. Losing a key player with around four months left in the season forces the club to react. Arsenal cannot simply hope the problem disappears. They must either find solutions inside the squad or look outside, even if the window is almost closed.
That is where a surprising name has entered the conversation. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a former Arsenal player, is being discussed as a possible short-term solution. He has been without a club since leaving Besiktas last summer, but he has quietly been working to regain full fitness.
The 32-year-old has spent the past few months training with Arsenal’s under-21 squad. This has allowed him to rebuild his condition away from the spotlight. At the end of January, he even joined a first-team training session, which naturally raised eyebrows among fans and media.
When Arteta was directly asked if Oxlade-Chamberlain could be an option, he did not shut the idea down. Instead, he offered a calm but telling answer: “We explore every option.” Those four words were enough to spark serious debate about a possible return.
Arteta made it clear earlier in the press conference that replacing Merino is not a simple task. He explained the reality of the situation in honest terms. “Of course. I mean, when you lose a big player like this in the squad with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you need to look.”
He continued by stressing the limits of the market and the squad. “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.” This shows Arsenal will not panic, but they will not stand still either.
The challenge, according to Arteta, is finding someone who can deliver immediately. “At this level, especially for four months, you have to be a player that has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That’s not easy. But if it were easy, we wouldn’t be here. So, we need to find solutions and try.”
This explains why a familiar face like Oxlade-Chamberlain could make sense. He knows the club, the pressure, and the league. While his recent injury history raises doubts, his experience and versatility could help Arsenal survive a difficult period.
Much of the press conference focused on transfers and money. Arteta was asked whether Arsenal still have funds after heavy spending in recent windows. He responded with responsibility rather than excitement. “We have the responsibility to do that. It is true that we have done certain deals, but nothing different to the top clubs, I don’t think.”
He also spoke about the process behind every signing. “We have to see where are the parameters. We have to have the options and then present them and then: is it possible, yes or no?” This shows Arsenal are being careful, not reckless.
Arteta made it clear that the club will only move if the decision improves the team. “We are on it. It’s just the fact you want to make the right call with the right player because we really want to improve the team if we can. If not, we don’t do it.”
While Merino’s situation looks serious, there was some positive news about Bukayo Saka. The winger picked up a knock during the warm-up at Elland Road, which caused concern among supporters.
Arteta gave a cautious update on Saka’s condition. “We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to see how he responds and make a decision.” The club is clearly taking no risks with one of its most important players.
He added some reassurance by saying, “It doesn’t look like something too serious, whether he’s available for tomorrow or the weekend we will see.” This suggests Saka’s absence, if any, should be short.
Arsenal’s squad depth in attack helps ease those worries. Noni Madueke showed his quality by scoring and assisting in the 4-0 win over Leeds United. His performance proved that others can step up when needed.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli also offer options on the right side, giving Arteta flexibility if Saka needs rest. This depth could be crucial as the season enters its most demanding stage.
Still, the midfield problem remains the biggest question. Merino’s injury has changed Arsenal’s plans, and time is running out. Whether Arteta turns to the market, trusts his squad, or makes a bold short-term move will define the coming months.
For now, the door remains open. Arteta has not promised signings, but he has not ruled anything out either. In a season full of pressure, Arsenal are searching for answers, and sometimes those answers come from unexpected places.
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