Deadline-Day: Arsenal Turn to Goretzka After Tonali Transfer Door Slams Shut
As the January transfer window slammed shut at 7pm on February 2, 2026, Arsenal found themselves scrambling in the final hours.
Mikel Arteta‘s side needed midfield reinforcement following a serious injury blow, and with one high-profile target off the table, the Gunners quickly turned their attention elsewhere.
Mikel Merino Injury Forces Arsenal into Late Action
The catalyst for Arsenal’s deadline-day urgency came from a tough setback. Midfielder Mikel Merino picked up a fractured bone in his right foot during the recent defeat to Manchester United. Arteta confirmed the Spanish international will undergo surgery in the coming days, followed by an extended recovery and rehabilitation period.
Arteta described the loss as a “big blow,” highlighting Merino’s versatility and importance to the squad. With several months potentially without one of their key midfield options—and crucial fixtures across the Premier League, cups, and Europe still ahead—Arsenal were actively exploring the market right up to the wire.
The manager made it clear: when a major player goes down, you do everything possible to find cover. If nothing materialises, the focus shifts to maximising what the current group can deliver.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Arsenal’s Transfer Interest in Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali Door Closes Quickly
Early rumours on deadline day linked Arsenal with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Some reports suggested the Italian’s agent had offered him to the Gunners, sparking brief excitement about a surprise swoop.
However, those hopes evaporated fast. Newcastle firmly rebuffed any interest, making it clear Tonali wasn’t going anywhere in January. The player’s agent later denied any direct talks with Arsenal had taken place, shutting down speculation and confirming the midfielder would remain at St James’ Park at least until the summer.
Arsenal Make Late Approach for Bayern’s Leon Goretzka
With the Tonali route blocked, attention switched to Leon Goretzka at Bayern Munich. According to reliable reports, Arsenal made enquiries about the experienced German midfielder as a potential short-term replacement for Merino.
Goretzka, now 30, has been a standout performer for Bayern since joining from Schalke in 2018. During his time in Munich, he has lifted six Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals, three German Supercups, the 2020 Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite that trophy-laden spell, Bayern and Goretzka mutually decided against extending his contract, which runs until the end of June 2026. Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund commented:
“Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team. Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season. After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer.”
“It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player. Leon will give his all up to the summer to win as many more titles with the team as possible.”
That decision opened the door to a possible January move, potentially at a reduced fee given his contract situation. Intermediaries floated the idea to Arsenal, but sources indicate a deal never looked realistic this late in the window.
Goretzka has committed to seeing out the campaign in Bavaria, focusing on adding more silverware before becoming a free agent in the summer.
What It Means for Arsenal Moving Forward
Ultimately, Arsenal’s deadline-day efforts didn’t result in a new signing. The Gunners explored options seriously—Tonali, Goretzka, and others—but time, circumstances, and club stances worked against them.
Now the attention turns inward. Arteta will rely on the depth already in the squad to navigate Merino’s absence. Players like Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Declan Rice, and any emerging academy options will need to step up during what remains a pivotal stage of the season.
For fans hoping for late drama, it was a quiet close to the window. But the summer market already looms large—especially with Goretzka set to become available on a free transfer.
Arsenal’s midfield planning continues, injury setbacks included. The title race and cup runs don’t wait, so the focus now is clear: adapt, compete, and push on.
Also Read: Sandro Tonali Agent Denies Arsenal Talks as Newcastle Reject Transfer Rumours
Deadline-Day: Arsenal Turn to Goretzka After Tonali Transfer Door Slams Shut