Arsenal
Arsenal Enter Race for Malick Fofana as Transfer Saga Intensifies
Arsenal have joined the increasingly competitive pursuit of Lyon winger Malick Fofana, entering a transfer battle that has taken several dramatic turns over the past 48 hours. The 20-year-old Belgian has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted young attackers following an impressive campaign in Ligue 1.
Arsenal have joined the race to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to reports from CaughtOffside. The 20-year-old attacker has drawn interest from several top clubs across Europe after a standout season in France. Fofana, who had nine goal involvements in 29 Ligue 1 matches last season, is highly rated and his transfer is valued at around €50 million.
The transfer landscape shifted dramatically on July 1st when Nottingham Forest reached an agreement with Lyon for the highly-rated winger, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano. However, the player wants to join a Champions League club like Chelsea, creating an opening for Arsenal and other elite clubs to hijack the deal.
Arsenal’s interest adds another layer to an already complex situation. Liverpool are ready to battle Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Lyon star Fofana this summer window, with the French club demanding at least £51.5m (€60m). This represents a significant reduction from Lyon’s initial asking price, as Lyon has drastically lowered its asking price for Fofana, now expecting between £38m and £42m.
Malick Fofana could suit Arsenal
The Belgian winger’s profile aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s tactical requirements. Fofana is known for his fearless dribbling, pace, and attacking style. Standing at 1.69m, Fofana enjoys a low centre of gravity, making him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s intricate passing game and high-intensity pressing system.
Arsenal’s pursuit comes as they continue their summer rebuild under Mikel Arteta. The addition of Fofana would provide genuine width and pace on either flank, addressing a key tactical need. His versatility to operate across the front line offers Arteta the flexibility he craves in his attacking setup.
The transfer saga has intensified with conflicting reports about Nottingham Forest’s supposed agreement. NFO have never held any official discussions with French side Lyon for Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea target Malick Fofana, despite suggestions otherwise, creating further uncertainty around the player’s immediate future.
Forest have agreed a deal with Lyon for Malick Fofana, but the winger is holding out for a Champions League club amid interest from Chelsea and Bayern. This hesitation provides Arsenal with a genuine opportunity to secure one of Europe’s most promising young wingers.
With Lyon’s reduced asking price and Fofana’s preference for Champions League football, Arsenal are well-positioned to complete a deal that would significantly strengthen their attacking options for the upcoming campaign. The coming days will determine whether the Gunners can capitalize on this unexpected opportunity.
Read More: How This €100m Star Would Fit in Arsenal’s Current XI
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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