Mikel Merino’s injury has opened the door for an incoming at Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
The Spaniard is the latest player at the Emirates to suffer an issue, and he is scheduled to undergo surgery on his foot in the coming days.
Arsenal are exploring the transfer market for a deadline day signing to replace Merino, but it will be very difficult to bring anyone in this late.
For that reason, the Gunners may look at the free agent market, and there is a familiar name they can sign right away – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could become a surprise option for Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre for well over a month now.
The Englishman has been in search of a new club since he left Besiktas last year, and he is yet to find himself a new home.
Mikel Arteta raved about his former teammate after permitting him to train at the club, mostly with the U21s.
However, in what was a big surprise, Oxlade-Chamberlain trained with the Arsenal first team before their game against Kairat Almaty last week.
In that session, the former Liverpool man was wearing a shirt that had ‘T3’ written on it. That is usually reserved for trialists at the club.
The 32-year-old mostly played as a winger during his time at the Emirates, but many feel his best position is in central midfield.
With Mikel Merino out injured, Arsenal could do with a player in that role, and if they cannot find anyone else on deadline day, Oxlade-Chamberlain could become a surprise option.
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The Ox trained with the Arsenal first-team👀
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Oxlade-Chamberlain would be an interesting option as a backup at Arsenal, but we don’t know how fit and match-ready he is.
The Gunners could look at a few other midfielders who won’t be free but could be signed in bargain deals because of their expiring contracts.
Ruben Neves is a player Arsenal should consider signing on deadline day. The Portuguese midfielder has entered the final six months of his contract and could be tempted to return to Europe.
Leon Goretzka is another player whose deal will run out in the summer, and the Bayern Munich star’s quality, experience and winning mentality could benefit the Gunners.
Another left-field option for Arsenal could be former Liverpool star Fabinho. The Brazilian plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, and with just six months left on his deal, he could be available for a bargain fee too.
It is unlikely that the Premier League leaders will consider any of the above options, but they are all definitely worth looking at if they cannot find anyone else.
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