Arsenal
The Perfect Frank Lampard Replacement For Chelsea To Consider, If Arsenal Are Not Interested In Him
There have been hot rumours about Cesc Fabregas moving to the Premier League to join Chelsea. It is all the more interesting as Chelsea are rivals of his old club Arsenal, where he had enjoyed a very successful and long spell, even captaining the club at a young age. Probably the above statement is so well known that it feels out of context to even introduce an article with it! But yes, there have been sightings of Fabregas in London and strong solid reports of Wenger not being interested in re-signing the club’s former star. We all know Cesc has a house in London and would be interested in London clubs as his priority especially after refusing Manchester United’s consecutive bids.
The rumours have started more because of Barcelona’s desire to establish a balanced squad and strengthen their engine room, especially because of Xavi’s ageing and Song’s perennial inconsistency. They have reportedly stepped up their interest on Atletico midfielder Koke who can step up to be the hardworking playmaker that they would like to have in their team instead of Cesc, a player whom they were desperate to get back when he was playing at Arsenal.
But when we consider Chelsea, who have always been a team that are more focused on the resilience and directness in attack, it is more of a surprise when they are so heavily linked with a flair play-maker who would probably offer lesser box to box work rate. Yet, this also signals the intent of the Blues to buy a versatile player who would give them control over the game from a deep position. When we look at Chelsea’s last main play-maker, it was Juan Mata, who left the club recently as Jose Mourinho did not have him in his first team plans. It is probably obvious that an advanced playmaker is the one Jose Mourinho won’t look to sign. A player like Oscar, the one who works his socks off, is the type of player Lampard was- Playing behind the striker, yet falling back and making the runs.
Cesc Fabregas can offer both the Lampard role as well as the Oscar role. As we all know, Fabregas is a passer more than a dribbler. So we can wholly expect him to sit alongside Matic, and run the game with his vision. Chelsea have players with enormous energy willing to make runs and run for the team. Cesc will have Hazard, Willian, Oscar, Salah, Schurrle and the strikers Costa (probably) and Torres, whom he now knows in and out by their Spanish connections, would rather fit in easily in the team. Having a resilient attacking midfield filled with super hard-workers like Oscar and Willian, Fabregas would only be required to maintain a central midfield-defensive midfield position and need not even dive into tackles, rather just providing cover for other defending midfielders.
We know, Cesc Fabregas has played in teams that defend as a team, generally with technical players. A team like Chelsea having the league’s best defence and one of the world’s top defensive midfielder playing next to him, Cesc Fabregas’ addition to the team will give them the deep playmaker that this sort of squad requires. Chelsea need someone to run the game for them. Earlier it used to be Makelele, not Lampard, because if we look carefully, Frank Lampard was more of the engine player who would attack and create chances in advanced positions, but it was Claude Makelele who used to sit behind and hold possession as well as distribute it to the attackers and keep Chelsea in control.
As the general conception goes, that Fabregas will be a replacement for Lampard, it would be more accurate to think of Fabregas as some sort of modern replacement for Makelele who’s defensive duties will be majorly carried out by Matic whereas Fabregas would naturally offer more attacking attributes. As for the legendary Frank Lampard’s replacing, which most Chelsea supporters would feel, is impossible. Yet, the closest we can have to Lampard on the pitch would be van Ginkel or Oscar, of course a modern version with better dribbling than shooting.
The final verdict: Yes! An absolutely brilliant signing for the Blues if they do manage to get him, which can help them achieve their title winning dream yet again.
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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