The transfer window is a crazy time before the start of a season and it is no surprise that some deals prove to be shocking. One such deal, which could really turn out to be one of the weirdest deals would be seeing Jonny Evans join Arsenal from West Bromwich Albion.
That is correct, recent reports suggest that Arsene Wenger is planning a £15 million deal for the 28-year-old defender. Evans joined the Baggies during the start of the 2015 season from Manchester United as he wanted more first team football and he did do a decent enough job in his first season at the cub.
He also did extremely well in Euro 2016 with the Northern Ireland side that impressed many but the deal to bring in the experienced defender could be a stop-gap measure as the Gunners will be without the services of Per Mertesacker for up to four months at least.
The German missing all this time will severely dent the expectations for the Premier League side and even though they have Gabriel Paulista, they still need some cover for Laurent Koscielny as well.
Evans might have had a great Euro 2016, he still should not be signed by Arsenal and here are three reasons why the Gunners should avoid him.
Inconsistent season for the Baggies
Even though he played a few good games for West Bromwich Albion last season, Evans wasn’t the most consistent defender and often was taken apart by certain attackers. The former Manchester United defender was playing under Tony Pulis and he should have shone under such a defence minded coach but Evans couldn’t really transform and become the player he was during his initial years at United.
His inconsistency would be a huge problem for Arsenal and playing him in some of the top games could greatly affect the outcome of the result. The Gunners do not need someone who is still trying to realign their career and more importantly Evans would not be constantly playing games for Arsenal either, so getting him doesn’t really make a lot of sense.
Not the quickest defender in the league
This could be the one reason why Arsenal really should not try to sign him. The 28-year-old isn’t the quickest in the world and isn’t the strongest defender either but he has learned how to deal with this deficiency but the lack of speed would be a huge worry for any club trying to sign him.
Mertesacker wasn’t the quickest of defenders either and he was exposed far too many times last season and this could be a similar story with Evans joining the side. The Gunners shouldn’t take this risk by spending this much on a player that probably will not be starting many games this season.
Arsenal should give chances to their younger players
The Gunners signed Rob Holding recently and even though he will start games for the side, they still have the likes of Calum Chambers in the team who should be given more chances to play and star for the team.
Chambers hasn’t had the best of times for the Gunners and has often been caught out but this could be his chance to shine.
Arsenal are also known for giving youngsters chances and with Holding already providing some sort of cover, it might is best to give Chambers another chance in the heart of the defence. They also have Carl Jenkinson who could also do a good job in the middle of the defence after his excellent season with West Ham.
Arsenal have a lot of options already and instead of spending the money on an older Evans, they should stick with the players they have.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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