Celtic could return to raid another Premier League club in the upcoming transfer window as they have identified Arsenal youngster Chris Willock to replace loan signing Patrick Roberts, who will be returning to parent club Manchester City at the end of the season.
The 20-year old Roberts has had a decent season in Scotland and has scored five times in 35 appearances this season. But with his return to the Etihad imminent at the end of the season, Celtic see the Arsenal teenager as the ideal replacement.
According to reports, the Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is a huge admirer of the 19-year old Willock and believes he can convince the Gunners that a stint in the Scottish Premiership will do a world of good in aiding the youngster’s development.
Let’s have a look at who Chris Willock is and how will he fit in at Celtic Park.
Footballing Background
Willock has been with the Arsenal academy since he was a five-year-old and has come through the ranks with serious hard work and toil. Having developed into a fine prospect, he signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2015. His most eye-catching display came in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the U-21 Premier League play-off final in the 2015-16 season, where he scored one and assisted two, putting on a masterclass to seal promotion to Division one.
Impressed by his displays, manager Arsene Wenger, handed him is senior team debut in the EFL Cup third round clash against Nottingham Forest back in September 2016, where he came on for the last seven minutes of the tie. Willock also appeared in the subsequent round of the competition for the Gunners, against Reading FC, with his cameo lasting eighteen minutes this time around.
This season, he has been the driving force in Arsenal U-23’s season in the Premier League-2, having scored three goals and assisted 7 from 16 appearances.
Willock is an England youth international since 2013, having represented the Three Lions in all age groups. He represented his country at the 2015 European Under-17 Championship and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Style of Play:
An explosive winger, Willock can play on either flank. Adept with both feet, combined with blistering pace, great passing ability and an eye for a goal, Willock has the perfect recipe for success and stardom.
Playing out wide, the 19-year old has the ability to unlock the defences and can terrorise defenders with his pace and drive on the flanks. His biggest strength is that Willock can beat the full-backs on both the inside and the outside, making it almost impossible to restrict him.
Effective while cutting in from wide areas, he can also cross the ball with amazing accuracy. He possesses amazing technique and ball control and hence Willock has been compared to German attacker Marco Reus by few sections. A great threat on the counter-attack owing to his acceleration and ability to dribble the ball at speed, he plays with a natural flair and exuberance.
His defensive contribution is something that needs to be worked upon, but responsibility and maturity will only come with age and experience.
Where Will He Fit In at Celtic?
Celtic are the clear front-runners in the Scottish Premiership this season, having already opened up a whopping 35-point lead over second-placed Aberdeen. Patrick Roberts has been a key component of the squad as well.
However, with the Hoops set to lose him, Willock is expected to be a direct replacement for the Manchester City loanee. He may not be able to break into the playing XI immediately with the likes of Scott Sinclair and James Forrest performing well, but the experience of first team football he will gather Celtic, who play in the Scottish top-flight and possibly, in the Champions League as well, will hold him in good stead for the future.
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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