Kalidou Koulibaly
Why Kalidou Koulibaly Would Be An Excellent Addition To The Arsenal Defence
Arsenal, having missed out on a ‘Top 4’ finish for the first time in two decades, are sweating on the future of their key players, particularly Alexis Sanchez, as the Chilean superstar has refused to extend his current deal that runs out next summer. The likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil are also reluctant to sign new contracts but Arsene Wenger, the veteran Frenchman who extended his stay for further two seasons, is adamant to keep hold of his stars despite their willingness to achieve Champions League glory.
The Gunners have already concluded a couple of crucial deals as they have acquired ex-Schalke left back Sead Kolasinac on a Bosman transfer and French hitman Alexandre Lacazette for a club record fee of £52.7m from Ligue1 heavyweights Olympic Lyon following consecutive high-scoring campaigns.
As per latest reports, Arsenal are now considering strengthening their backline and have sighted the £25.50m rated Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly as one of their prime transfer targets. The 26-year old Senegalese international was previously linked with Chelsea, but the move, however, fell through as Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri blocked it and Koulibaly eventually ended up signing a new contract offer that extends his stay until the summer of 2021.
Arsenal had defensive concerns last year despite early promises shown by their defensive duo Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi. Per Mertesacker is set to retire next summer and Gabriel failed to earn Wenger’s trust due to his inconsistency, indiscipline and injury concerns.
Calum Chambers is set to depart amidst interests from several Premier League and Championship outfits following an unsuccessful loan spell with relegated Middlesbrough. Young defender Rob Holding stepped up towards the end of the previous season, but the Gunners must find another experienced centre-back prior to the forthcoming campaign and Koulibaly would be an impressive signing, if the Arsenal gaffer manages to strike a deal in the coming days.
The 6ft 5in centre-back is hailed for his physical and aerial presence, strong tackling, blocking and intercepting skills. He reads the game well and builds it from the back with his strong passing attribute, much similar to Wenger’s style of football. Although the Gunners will find it extremely hard to conclude a deal in absence of Champions League football, they, however, are not worried about breaking the bank this term and have successfully landed their preferred options so far.
Wenger shifted to a ‘back three’ formation towards the end of last season that helped them finish their campaign on a high note by clinching a record 13th FA Cup title, defeating Premier League champions Chelsea. Koulibaly will fit straight in their ‘three-man back-line’ alongside ‘Kostafi’ and his presence will make the North London heavyweights favourites to return to the top four and regain a place in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
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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