Arsenal
How €38m Norwegian Youngster Would Fit in Arsenal’s Current XI?
It’s that time of the summer again. Arsenal are making moves in the transfer market, and their latest target has raised a few eyebrows. Antonio Nusa, the 20-year-old Norwegian winger currently at RB Leipzig, is being considered as part of Arsenal’s ongoing talks with the German club.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Arsenal have been crying out for genuine width and pace on the left flank, and Nusa represents exactly the type of signing that could elevate Arteta’s tactical setup to the next level.
Where Antonio Nusa Fits in Mikel Arteta’s System
Arsenal’s tactical approach under Arteta has evolved into a fluid 4-3-3 that transitions to 4-2-3-1, with emphasis on creating numerical superiority in midfield. Nusa would slot seamlessly into this framework as the left-sided forward, providing the direct threat that’s been lacking since the departure of certain key players.
His two-footedness, pace and direct running style make him the perfect complement to Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank. While Saka has mastered the art of cutting inside from the right, Nusa brings genuine left-footed delivery and the ability to stretch defenses by staying wide when needed.
The Norwegian’s profile fits Arteta’s preference for versatile forwards who can interchange positions. Despite managing just five goals and eight assists in 40 matches last season, his underlying metrics suggest a player adapting to a higher level after his move from Club Brugge.
Addressing Arsenal’s Tactical Needs
Arsenal’s biggest weakness this season has been their predictability in the final third. Too often, attacks have funneled through the right side via Saka, making them easy to defend against. Nusa would immediately solve this problem by providing a genuine threat from the left.
In Arteta’s high build-up phase, with the 1-3-2-2-3 formation creating midfield overloads, Nusa would operate as one of the front three, stretching the pitch and creating space for Martin Ødegaard to operate between the lines.
His pace would also be crucial in Arsenal’s counter-pressing system. When possession is lost high up the pitch, having Nusa’s recovery speed could prevent teams from exploiting the spaces left behind by Arsenal’s aggressive full-backs.
The Reality Check
Reports suggest Arsenal are willing to pay €45 million for a player who was rated among the Bundesliga‘s worst wingers last season. This seems like a hefty fee for someone still finding his feet at the highest level.
However, Arsenal’s recruitment team has shown they can identify potential before it fully materializes. At 20 years old, Nusa represents the type of long-term investment that could pay dividends if properly developed under Arteta’s guidance.
The bigger question isn’t whether Nusa can improve Arsenal’s squad – it’s whether he can handle the immediate pressure of contributing to a title challenge. With Arsenal’s title ambitions hanging by a thread, there’s little room for adaptation periods.
Nusa might not be the marquee signing that gets fans off their seats, but he could be exactly what Arteta needs to complete his tactical vision – a genuine left-sided threat who brings pace, directness, and the versatility to thrive in Arsenal’s evolving 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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