Arsenal fans were left frustrated for one more year after their team missed a glorious chance to win the much awaited Premier league title. The Gunners finished runner-ups to Leicester City as all other big teams struggled for consistency all season. The only consolation for Arsenal was the fact that they finished above their North London rivals Tottenham. Arsene Wenger was criticized heavily by some sections of the supporters after he became the only manager in the top five leagues in Europe not to sign an outfield player. Though the manager still has the support of substantial part of the supporters and the board, he will be wise to invest heavily this summer, in order to get his team ready to mount a proper title challenge next season.
Wenger is desperate to sign a world class striker this summer, who can cover for Giroud and give the team something different going forward. Though Arsenal have been linked with a host of players this transfer window, only Granit Xhaka and Takuma Asano are the two names to have actually signed for the Gunners this summer. Rumours have emerged recently linking last season’s player of the season Riyad Mahrez with a move to the Emirates. Here we look at the potential Arsenal starting XI involving Mahrez.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The former Chelsea keeper won the golden glove last season following his move from Chelsea last summer. He is the undisputed number one keeper at Arsenal and should keep his place between the sticks, given the lack quality options.
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker
Bellerin has firmly established himself as one of the best full-backs in the league after another promising season under his belt. While Gibbs struggled for form, Nacho Moreal secured his place in the starting XI following a string of solid performances at the back. Wenger is on the lookout for a central defender after shaky performances from both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel, however with no one yet close to signing a deal, we assume that Koscielny and Mertesacker will continue their partnership in the middle of the defense line. The Frenchman has been one of the most consistent defenders in the world over the past few years and is the leader Arsenal need at the back.
Midfielders: Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Riyad Mahrez.
Arsenal’s summer signing Xhaka was excellent for the Swiss team during the recently concluded Euro 2016 and is expected to instantly slide into the central midfield position alongside Jack Wilsere. The England international has had a tuff time at the Emirates due to a string of injuries over the past few years. This will be a big season for him and maybe his last chance to prove his worth to Wenger. Mesut Ozil is a world class creator and will again be the man Arsenal rely on next season. Alexis Sanchez will be deployed on the left wing, While Mahrez if he does make a move will be expected to start on the right wing. The Albanian is a talent football, who will give Arsenal goals and creativity in the final third.
Striker: Gonzalo Higuain
This is will be the most crucial signing Arsenal make this summer, Giroud has served Arsenal well but isn’t the striker that carry a team to a title. While Higuain has proven his worth at Napoli after a brilliant last season. Latest reports suggest that the move isn’t too far away from becoming a reality.
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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