Arsenal could suddenly become active in the January transfer window, but time is running out.
Mikel Merino confirmed his injury, with it understood that the Spaniard has a broken bone in his foot.
It’s a shock for Arsenal, who look set to combat the majority of the remainder of the season without their trusted goalscoring midfielder.
As a result, Andrea Berta could look in the January transfer window in search of a late deal for a midfielder, but with deadline day upon us, things have to move fast.
Football London have revealed two names on Arsenal’s shortlist, but both come with doubts.
You can sign one player for Arsenal before the deadline, who would you buy?
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Ayyoub Bouaddi is on Arsenal’s deadline day shortlist
A logical signing would be a player with experience of the Premier League, which is why Ruben Neves would be a good fit for Arsenal right now.
Mikel Arteta has been interested in signing Neves for some time, but the problem lies with the understanding that the ex-Wolves man is in talks over a new deal at Al-Hilal.
Then comes a very different, but even more exciting target, Ayyoub Bouaddi.
As per Football London’s report, Bouaddi is on Arsenal’s ‘shortlist’, being a player that the Gunners were set to ‘seriously assess’ in the summer transfer window.
One TalkingPoints user wants Bouaddi at Arsenal, how would YOU feel about this move?
It’s noted that it ‘remains to be seen’ if Berta explores accelerating that interest before the 7pm January transfer deadline following Merino’s injury.
Interestingly, TBR reported in 2024 that Arsenal’s scouts did some work on Bouaddi in the past, describing that the Gunners’ scouting team were ‘enamoured’ by the Frenchman’s ability.
What Ayyoub Bouaddi has already said about his future
It was only in December 2025 that Bouaddi last spoke about his future to L’Equipe.
In the interview, the 20-year-old maestro made it clear that his long-term future won’t be at Lille, despite being under contract there until 2029.
“I have extended until 2029, and next year is still far away. I am focused on this season and we have things to fight for.
“As I also said to the president, at the end of the season, there will be a choice to be made, and anything can happen. We don’t know what will happen.”
From the player’s own mouth, there’s uncertainty about his future, giving Berta an incentive to explore a possible deal either on deadline day or in the summer.
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