Arsenal could launch a last-minute transfer swoop amid worries over Mikel Merino's injury setback. The Gunners midfielder was absent from the victory against Leeds following a foot problem sustained before the journey to Elland Road. The Spanish international is scheduled to consult a specialist regarding the issue, with Mikel Arteta confirming the former Real Sociedad ace will undergo further tests. Arteta revealed: "He's got an issue in his foot.

"It's a bone that's giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out." The severity of Merino's complaint is expected to emerge within the next 48 hours, according to the BBC. There are fears Merino could be sidelined for several weeks during Arsenal's Premier League title charge.

The setback places Arsenal in a tricky situation with barely 24 hours left of the transfer window. The north London outfit must decide whether they are satisfied with their current midfield options, particularly as Merino also provides cover for the attacking line.

The Gunners are considering making a move, talkSPORT claim, as they ponder how to cope without Merino's six goals and three assists across 33 appearances.

Arsenal were also missing Bukayo Saka through injury for the Leeds clash. The England international was withdrawn before kick-off after picking up a knock during the warm-up.

Arteta suggested in December that Arsenal need to remain ready to act in the transfer market when faced with unforeseen setbacks or chances.

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"The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, 'Okay, what do we need?'" Arteta said.

"And we have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that's a different story. But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it'll be very positive.

"When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 squad players. Although we have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable, we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to be this season."