Arsenal
Forget Anderen – Here are 3 top-class alternatives who Arsenal can sign including this young Norwich star
Arsenal opinion: Three alternatives to Joachim Andersen
The Metro has confirmed that Sampdoria are demanding that Arsenal offer more than the £43million that the Gunners are willing to fork over for their players. While the deal does include both Dennis Praet and Joachim Andersen, the latter is the player that Arsenal really needs.
Their defensive issues this season have been downright incredible, with them conceding 51 goals in the Premier League alone. That’s the second highest total amongst both the top-six and the top-nine clubs, with Arsenal falling down one spot amongst the top-ten sides.
It shows exactly what the club have lacked this season and why they need to look to add someone like Joachim Andersen. However, with the deal stalling and negotiations failing to progress any further than it already has, maybe it’s time Arsenal move on to other targets.
The Gunners do have other options to look towards and here are three potential names.
Kostas Manolas
Linked to Arsenal and now Manchester City, the 27-year-old is arguably the best option for Arsenal at the moment. If the move for Joachim Andersen doesn’t pan out for the club, the Greek centre-back is a great option.
His defensive nuance and confidence as a centre-back make him better than what Arsenal has. Not to mention, Manolas’ extensive Champions League and Serie A experience only add to his value.
Combine that with his speed, athleticism and history of remaining fit, will only help Arsenal. The Gunners need to move on from Laurent Koscielny, and if there is one man who can become a long-term replacement, it’s Kostas Manolas.
Ben Godfrey
An up and coming star, the Norwich City centre-back has shown that he has the ability to play for a top Premier League side in the near future. Cool, calm and composed with or without the ball, Godfrey has been an integral part of Norwich City’s plans this season.
He also happens to be very confident on the ball and loves surging forward despite being a centre-back by trade. Furthermore, the Norwich City centre-back has a brilliant passing range and combines that with his no-nonsense style of defending.
He finished the season having averaged 1.1 tackles, 3.5 clearances, and a rather impressive passing accuracy of 89.7% per game. It’s all of the above and the links to Arsenal that make him a great move for any side in the world, let alone Arsenal.
However, given that Norwich City did get promoted, European football might be the only advantage that Arsenal could offer Godfrey.
Mario Hermoso
An extremely talented defender, Hermoso is another enticing option for the Gunners. His transfer fee, ability on and off the ball and his age, make him a brilliant target for Arsenal, and despite being just 23 years old, he already has well over 100 appearances to his name.
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It’s a rather impressive statistic for any young 23-year-old but given Mario Hermoso’s talent, he’s ready to take things to the next level.
That means that he should move to an even better side in an even better league, which is exactly what Arsenal are. Adept with the ball, Hermoso is the personification of the modern centre-back.
He averaged an impressive 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 5.2 blocks and a passing accuracy of just under 84% last season. It’s why he would be perfect for Unai Emery’s system.
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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