It’s been an unexpectedly rapid start to deadline day for Arsenal, who were rocked by the news of Mikel Merino’s injury.
Merino could be out for the rest of the season after it was discovered that the Spaniard has a broken bone in his foot.
As a result, it was surprisingly reported that Arsenal could be active on transfer deadline day in a bid to replace the midfielder’s role in the squad.
Sky Germany reported Arsenal’s interest in Sandro Tonali, but it was short-lived, as Newcastle United have since shot down the rumours.
The hunt continues, and Paul Merson has just given Andrea Berta a pointer.
You pick: Arsenal’s best midfield trio if Tonali signed would be _________ + _________ + _________
Paul Merson thinks Arsenal should sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on deadline day
Arsenal have an infatuation with buying Chelsea players, and Merson thinks the trend should carry over to players who once represented the Blues.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of deadline day [02/02/26 11:56], Merson suggested that Arsenal should take a look at Ruben Loftus-Cheek over at AC Milan.
“[Loftus-Cheek] absolutely worth looking at,” Merson said of the midfielder, who is out of contract in Milan next summer.
“Loftus-Cheek [has] proven Premier League experience. Very good player, Premier League experience, played there.”
The pundit then described a move for the Englishman as a ‘no-brainer’ for the Gunners on deadline day.
“Yeah, that would be a no-brainer, but there’d be a lot of other clubs that need Loftus-Cheek.”
With two Premier League winners’ medals in his locker, Loftus-Cheek could be the player Arsenal need before the 7pm deadline, but is a move really feasible?
Loftus-Cheek is open to a January transfer
When it comes to covering for Merino’s profile, Loftus-Cheek fits the bill, but do Arsenal fit his desires?
Arguably not, if Calcio Mercato’s coverage of the Englishman’s future is anything to go by.
You can sign one player for Arsenal before the deadline, who would you buy?
It's deadline day 🚨
It was reported in December that Loftus-Cheek had been considering a January move in order to boost his chances of going to the World Cup.
The stumbling block for Arsenal comes in that he is seeking a club that ‘can guarantee him more playing time’, which the Gunners certainly can’t.
Merson’s masterplan makes sense for Arsenal, but arguably not so much for Loftus-Cheek.
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