Mikel Arteta just dropped a massive hint about a late January transfer swoop

Mikel Arteta has just dropped a massive hint that Arsenal could be active in the final hours of the January transfer window.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash with Chelsea, the Gunners boss revealed his side may look for a replacement after Mikel Merino was ruled out for an extended period of time with a foot injury.

With the clock ticking, time is running out for the north London outfit to bring in a new signing, but Arteta has insisted his side will do everything possible to see if someone is available.

Mikel Arteta leaves door open for Arsenal to make deadline day move

When asked about a possible change in his thinking before the end of the transfer window, Arteta said: "Of course, when you lose a big player like this in the squad with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you need to look and we need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don't, we keep what we have."

It doesn't seem entirely certain that a move for any player could materialise with Arteta insisting his side need to look and do everything for a player that is available, but acknowledged if they don't they keep what they already have.

The Gunners have had a busier deadline day than most would have thought. It started with surprise links with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, but those reports were swiftly shut down. The Italian's agent is said to have offered him to Arsenal, but there was never any chance of a move happening in this window.

Claims also emerged that talks had been opened with Hearts over an initial loan deal for young striker James Wilson, with the intention of giving him a trial period in the academy before deciding whether to sign him permanently in the summer.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with his former club since leaving Beşiktaş in November and Arteta even appeared to be open to signing his ex-teammate on a free transfer, saying they explore every option.

Latest reports have claimed Arsenal have approached Bayern Munich to enquire about the availability of Leon Goretzka. The midfielder is set to leave the Bundesliga giants as a free agent in the summer, but a move at this stage is said to be unlikely.

At this moment, it seems unlikely any deal will materialise, but Arteta's words will be a source of confidence for any fans hoping the Gunners can secure a late move.