Arsenal's New Signing Suffers Shoulder Fracture in First Training Session

Arsenal's latest acquisition, Mikel Merino, is set to miss several weeks after suffering a fractured shoulder during his first training session with the club. The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for a fee of €32.5 million, collided with centre-back Gabriel Magalhães at London Colney on Thursday.

The injury, which occurred during a routine training session, is a significant blow for both Merino and Arsenal. The Spaniard was hoping to make his debut against Brighton in the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. However, he will now be sidelined for a period of weeks, adding to the Gunners' injury woes.

"Very unfortunate," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a news conference. "Yesterday [Thursday] he had a collision and he has a shoulder injury unfortunately. It looks like he's going to be out for a few weeks. First session. He was really excited and everything was looking really good."

Arteta explained that Merino landed on the floor and Gabriel landed on top of him, resulting in a likely small fracture. "We have to see [how long he is out for]. He was in so much pain. We'll have to do some more tests on that and then we'll have more conclusive answers," he added.

While there was bad news for Merino, there was some better news regarding forward Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian had undergone an MRI scan on a groin injury, with fears that he could be ruled out for a prolonged period. However, Arteta confirmed that Jesus, while ruled out for the Brighton game, is progressing well and is expected to return to action soon. "He is progressing really well. He had a little muscle injury and he is doing quite a lot of stuff already, so we expect him to be with us pretty soon," Arteta said.

Arteta also addressed speculation about potential late moves in the transfer window, stating that Arsenal are open to further signings before tonight's deadline. He refused to comment on reports linking the club with Raheem Sterling, despite sources suggesting that the former Manchester City winger has been offered to Arsenal.

"I'm not gonna be talking about this kind of thing sorry," Arteta responded when asked about Sterling's potential arrival. However, he acknowledged that the club is prepared for late business, adding, "Let's see. It's always possible. In the last hours of the transfer window never rule anything out."

Arteta confirmed that Arsenal are aiming to replace both Aaron Ramsdale and Karl Hein before the transfer deadline. Ramsdale completed his £25 million move to Southampton earlier today, while Hein joined Real Valladolid on loan.

The manager also addressed the departure of Ramsdale, stating, "It's clear that we have lost Karl and Aaron so we have to replace them both. First of all just say thank you so much for what he's done for the club, for the team and for myself."

Arteta highlighted Ramsdale's positive contribution to the club, praising his energy and charisma. However, he acknowledged that the goalkeeper was seeking regular first-team football. "When he joined he brought a lot of joy and charisma and energy and he was really good at that time. But then things developed. He had a situation where he was insisting a lot that he was happiest when he plays. We have tried to fulfil that desire that he had. He looked really excited and happy the other day. He's joining a great club and a great coach, he looks really excited so I think we are all happy for him," Arteta concluded.