Mikel Arteta keeps door open on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain return as Arsenal seek midfield cover after Mikel Merino setback.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain return after addressing speculation surrounding a possible short-term deal for the former Gunners midfielder. The comments come as Arsenal scramble to solve a growing midfield crisis following a serious injury to summer signing Mikel Merino.
Speaking to the Media ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, reporters asked Arteta directly whether the club could re-sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is currently a free agent.
The Arsenal boss gave a measured response and stressed that he cannot rule out any option at this stage of the window.
“We explore every option,” Arteta said.
“When you lose a big player in the squad, with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you have to do everything you possibly can. If there is a player available, you look at it. If not, we continue with what we have.”
Merino Injury Forces Arsenal Into Market
Arsenal’s urgency stems from Mikel Merino’s foot injury, sustained during last month’s Premier League clash with Manchester United. The Spain international, signed from Real Sociedad for £32 million, is expected to miss around four months of action.
With Arsenal still competing on three fronts — the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup — Arteta faces a delicate balancing act as squad depth becomes increasingly stretched.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s connection to Arsenal adds extra weight to the speculation. The 32-year-old joined the club from Southampton in 2011 and made more than 130 appearances, winning three FA Cups during his six-year spell in north London.
He also shared the dressing room with Arteta, who captained the side before retiring in 2016. That familiarity could make a short-term deal attractive, particularly given Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Premier League experience and tactical understanding of the club.
After leaving Arsenal for Liverpool in 2017, he went on to win both the Premier League and Champions League, although injuries later disrupted his career. His recent stint at Beşiktaş ended in November 2025, leaving him available on a free transfer.
Short-Term Solution Under Consideration?
Reports suggest Arsenal explored alternative midfield options on deadline day, including Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, but those talks quickly stalled. That has increased speculation around a pragmatic, low-risk move for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The midfielder has reportedly been training to maintain fitness, and a short-term contract would offer Arsenal immediate depth without long-term financial commitment — a solution that fits Arteta’s cautious January approach.
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While Arteta stopped short of confirming any interest, his comments indicate Arsenal will remain opportunistic until the window closes. With a title push ongoing and crucial knockout fixtures approaching, squad depth could prove decisive.
Whether Oxlade-Chamberlain makes a surprise return to the Emirates remains uncertain, but Arteta’s stance keeps the possibility alive for now.
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