Mikel Arteta has confirmed that new Arsenal signing Mikel Merino has sustained a fractured shoulder in his first training session as a Gunner.
The midfielder was signed from Real Sociedad in a move announced just three days ago, and Arsenal fans will have to wait several weeks to see his debut.
“Very unfortunate, yesterday he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury and it looks like he will be out for a few weeks,” said Arteta, visibly disappointed as he spoke ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Brighton.
“Yeah, it is [really bad luck]. We were all very excited for him and everything was looking very good, then he landed on the floor and Gabi landed on top of him, it looks like a small fracture probably. We have to see, he was in so much pain. We need to do some more tests and they will have more conclusive answers.”
Arteta made sure to point out that the injury will not lead to a panic buy on deadline day.
“We have all the things we want, there are still a few hours to go and we are prepared.”
Asked whether there might be a surprise before the end of the day, he said that “anything is possible,” but declined to comment on the links to Raheem Sterling.
With Aaron Ramsdale’s move to Southampton confirmed today, Arteta also bid the goalkeeper a touching goodbye.
“He brought a lot of joy, his charisma, his energy… He is joining a great club with a great coach. He seems very excited and we are all happy for him.
His replacement has been lined up, too, with Arsenal bringing in Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto in on loan. The 35-year-old Brazilian moves after making 61 league appearances on the south coast since joining in 2022.
“It is clear that we have lost Karl [Hein] and Aaron and we have to replace them both,” Arteta admitted.
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