Arsenal
Why Arsenal completing this €30m deal could be a steal similar to Cazorla’s arrival during the crisis at Malaga
According to reports, Arsenal have had a €30m bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon ace, Gelson Martins.
Martins, 23, is understood to be the latest player looking to terminate his contract with Sporting after a section of the club’s fans attacked the players and staff at their training ground ahead of the Taca de Portugal final last month.
If that’s the case, the Portuguese — who has a €60m release clause in his contract — could be available on a free transfer this summer.
Martins’ current situation at Sporting throws back to the time when Arsenal had signed Santi Cazorla in 2012 from cash-hit Malaga. Although Cazorla had a €45m buy-out clause at the time, the Spanish club’s turbulent financial situation forced them to sell the playmaker for below £15m.
Cazorla went on to become a fantastic signing by Arsene Wenger. Despite enjoying an illustrious spell with Arsenal, the player struggled massively in the final few years of his tenure. In fact, he spent the vast majority of the last two years on the treatment table after suffering a nightmarish Achilles injury.
The playmaker is set to join Villarreal now but Wenger’s smart capture of Cazorla seems to have provided Unai Emery and Arsenal with the perfect blueprint to lure Martins away to the Emirates.
Martins currently finds himself in a chaotic scenario in Portugal and reportedly wants to leave the club this summer. After securing the signing of Stephen Liechtsteiner on a free transfer, it is time for Emery to step up his interest in Sporting’s Martins.
Arsenal have an array of attacking players but they lack an out-and-out winger. Alex Iwobi may come the closest to being a winger but he has rarely played on the flank. Danny Welbeck has been a constant fixture on the left but the Gunners have lacked a player in the mould of a traditional winger, following the departure of Theo Walcott to Everton in January.
Hence, the signing of a new winger is an absolute necessity and Arsenal could do well if they are able to snap up Martins from Portugal. Blessed with electric pace, trickery and dribbling skills, Martins is a true-blue wide attacker.
The player can feature on both wings and boasts of immense potential, making him a worthy candidate for a club like Arsenal.
The Portuguese starlet might not possess a burly figure but he can maintain possession in the trickiest of situations. A classic winger, Martins is well-known for his tricky footwork and flair on the ball. That said, his crossing can be wayward at times but it goes without saying that he is a delight to watch on his day.
Martins was one of Sporting’s standout performers last season with 13 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances. He certainly has all the ingredients to be a top player for Arsenal.
It is high time that the Gunners intensify their interest in Martins after Sporting’s rejection of their first bid. If Emery is genuinely interested in the Portuguese star, he must attempt poaching Cazorla from Malaga. It will be tough to predict the outcome but it’s worth a shot, isn’t it?
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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