Arsenal Eye Short-Term Deal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Mikel Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of re-signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Arsenal on a short-term deal. This comes in light of Mikel Merino‘s potential season-ending injury, prompting the club to explore options for bolstering their midfield ahead of the January transfer window’s closure on January 29, 2024.

Merino, who has contributed significantly with six goals and three assists from 33 appearances this season, sustained a broken foot during Arsenal’s recent 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. The injury has put pressure on club officials to seek immediate reinforcements before the transfer deadline.

Having been a free agent since leaving Besiktas in August, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre since November. The 32-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal from 2011 to 2017, participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the Under-21s against Manchester United in December.

During a pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, Arteta was asked about the possibility of bringing back his former teammate. He responded: “We explore every option.” This statement reflects the club’s proactive approach in light of Merino’s injury.

Arteta emphasized the importance of finding a suitable replacement, noting, “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 further stated that the team is committed to evaluating all available options before making a decision.

As Arsenal contemplates their next steps, there are also reports that the club has made inquiries regarding Leon Goretzka, a midfielder from Bayern Munich. Goretzka is in the final six months of his contract with the German club, which has already confirmed he will not be renewing his deal. With 28 appearances this season, Goretzka has scored once, making him an appealing target for Arsenal.

Additionally, Sandro Tonali‘s agent has reportedly offered the player to Arsenal, although discussions between the Gunners and Newcastle United are yet to take place.

As the January transfer window enters its final hours, Arsenal’s management is focused on securing a player capable of making an immediate impact on the team. Arteta is aware of the challenges involved, stating, “At this level, especially for four months, you have to bring a player that has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That is not easy, but if it was easy we would not be here.”

The club’s efforts to navigate the complexities of the transfer market underscore their determination to maintain competitiveness in the league and cup competitions during the remainder of the season. As the clock ticks down, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Arsenal can successfully bolster their midfield with a timely acquisition.