‌After an eight-year stint with the club, the midfielder is looking for a fresh challenge in the 2026/27 season. However, according to BILD in Germany, Arsenal were eager to secure his services and put forward a late offer for the ex-Schalke star during the winter window. Arsenal were looking for a new central midfielder towards the end of the transfer window after Mikel Merino sustained an injury. Before the window shut, Mikel Arteta acknowledged the club was weighing up a late signing to cover for him. "Of course," he responded when questioned whether Merino's injury would influence Arsenal's late transfer activity.

Source: Daily Mirror February 06, 2026 13:07 UTC