Arsenal
January Transfers – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly!
So, with the end to another eventful January transfer window, who really came out on top with the best bargains? And more controversially, who came out of it looking weaker than ever. The biggest spenders in the transfer window were QPR and Liverpool. It was expected that QPR would have a big spend with them being rock-bottom in the Premier League. Liverpool, with the signings of young Brazilian prospect Philippe Coutinho and England striker Daniel Sturridge, were looking to strengthen the attacking line by finding players who could support Luis Suarez who has been outstanding this season.
QPR
QPR came out of January with two very impressive signings which caught the headlines. Harry Redknapp was up to his old tricks in January with the signings of Loic Remy from French side Marseille. This came as a surprise to many. Harry also sealed one of the signings of the window, Congolese giant Christopher Samba. The ex-Blackburn Rovers defender made a swift return to English football after joining Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer transfer window in 2012. The giant defender arrived at Loftus Road on deadline day after a fee of £12.5m was agreed between the two sides.
Tony Fernandes, the QPR owner is forking out over £100,000 a week in wages to keep Samba at the club. Incredibly, he was earning £120,000 at Anzhi making him one of the highest paid defenders on the planet. Loic Remy is already a fans favorite after scoring on his debut against West Ham on the 19th of January. Incredibly, clubs in the Barclays Premier League over the last 10 years have spent over a billion pounds in Transfers.
Redknapp and Pardew: Most active managers in the window
Newcastle United
Newcastle were also busy bringing in a number of new signings. After losing Senegalese Demba Ba to Chelsea for just £7m, they became reliant on his fellow countryman Papiss Cisse. Despite scoring since Ba left Newcastle, it was clear that Newcastle needed to strengthen the side and more importantly its attacking players. It has been a poor season for Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side this season so far with them sitting dangerously above the relegation zone. Newcastle brought in six players in January. Incredibly, all six of the players brought in had French connections. Mike Ashley, the Magpies’ owner, forked out over £19.5m for the new signings. Debuchy, who had impressed for the French national side, was brought in for around £5m from French giants LOSC Lille.
In my opinion, the signing of Debuchy is great business; he impressed a number of high profile sides during Euro 2012, and has had a good season for Lille this season. Debuchy is destined for big things, already putting in some great performances since joining Newcastle. Pardew also brought in Moussa Sissoko from Toulouse. He made an instant impact by scoring 2 wonder goals for Newcastle to rescue a point against European champions Chelsea. Another player that impressed against Chelsea was Yoan Gouffran signed from Bordeaux. Many fans of clubs around the country joked at the fact that Newcastle almost have enough players to field an all French side. In my opinion, the signings made by Pardew and Mike Ashley, will be enough to take Newcastle away from the danger zone and push forward.
Manchester Clubs
Manchester City came away from January a striker down. After an unimpressive season at the Etihad, which has included a bust up in training between Roberto Mancini and Balotelli, he was on his way to AC Milan. The move was seen as controversial having played for Inter Milan before he joined Manchester City. However, he was famously pictured wearing an AC Milan shirt while playing for Inter, sparking rumors that he wanted to join the side.
The two clubs agreed a fee of around £19m to take the Italian to the Seria A giants. A couple miles away at Old Trafford, Wilfried Zaha arrived from Crystal Palace for a total fee of around £15m. Zaha was immediately loaned back out to Crystal Palace to play the remainder of the season and Federico Macheda was sent out on loan to Stuttgart.
Other Transfers
Elsewhere, David Beckham made a return to European football by joining PSG on a 5 month deal. This means that Beckham will be able to play in the champions league for the rest of the season. The highest amount spent on any player came from PSG, spending £37m on Lucas Moura from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo. Arsenal had another quiet transfer window with only one signing coming on deadline day. Arsene Wenger spent £10m on Nacho Monreal from Malaga. The Spanish international has played 9 games for the national side since 2009. Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh was loaned out to West Ham, who also brought in Joe Cole from Liverpool for a second spell at the club which started his career off.
West Brom were the only side not to bring anyone in, however the biggest transfer window controversy came from West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie. He left The Hawthornes after reportedly being offered a deal at QPR, he drove to London with the hopes of joining QPR only to be turned away at the gates of Loftus Road. This was not only very embarrassing for the striker but also very public as the news quickly spread all across the nation leaving him red-faced and resulted in him being dropped for West Brom’s game against Tottenham Hotspur on Febuary 3rd. It will be a moment that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
Conclusion
Looking back on the transfer window, the teams that came out the best in my opinion has to be QPR and Newcastle, I believe they have done enough to escape the drop zone, though QPR have a lot to do. An eventful transfer window that will determine the futures of clubs and players everywhere.
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.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”