‘One to watch’ – Arsenal given hope of signing £80m midfielder in the summer window

Arsenal’s transfer strategy has been forced into an unexpected turn after an injury to one of their midfielders.

The Gunners were left scrambling for cover on Deadline Day after Mikel Merino was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, prompting internal discussions over whether to move aggressively in the market or wait until the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal opted for restraint. Having already committed significant resources in the previous transfer window, the club were reluctant to sanction another major outlay.