Arsenal appear poised to leave their business until the final moments on transfer deadline day, with the 7pm deadline looming and Mikel Arteta prepared to enter the market at the last minute. Mikel Merino picked up a foot problem during Arsenal's defeat to Manchester United last week and Arteta has subsequently revealed a bone fracture in the player's right foot that will require an operation.

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have made enquiries about Goretzka as a Merino replacement, though a transfer for the player at this moment seems unlikely. Goretzka is expected to depart Bayern in the summer when his deal expires. Bayern and Goretzka had been in discussions, but opted against renewing the player's contract. The German international has been at Munich since 2018 and has secured six Bundesliga crowns and two DFB Cups.

He has also claimed the domestic Supercup on three occasions, the 2020 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, said: "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...