What we’ve been grown used to is the Arsenal engine that runs, half season after half season so brilliantly that very few at this time raise eyebrows and wonder how Arsenal can be halted. Quite consistently though, Arsenal is a team that falls behind at the start of the season due to a few issues, which has destroyed their premier league chances season after season.
As the transfer windows whizzes by, it is often from the red part of London where an outburst of fans is witnessed and this is usually because of Arsene Wenger’s naivety to land in significant players to close down the existing voids or to replace the injured ones at the time of an injury crisis. Year by year Arsenal have struggled to cope with the injuries and lack of signings and bench strength is often the cause of their downfall. This coming transfer window though, I am quite sure Arsenal fans wouldn’t tolerate another month to go by just like that without looking at the voids and filling them up. I personally look at 3 players Arsenal can target to bolster their chances of finally laying their hands on the coveted English Premier trophy.
Arsenal is a team that has a star studded playing eleven, but is a team that also lacks replacements if many players are injured. For a team that struggles to cope with injuries, replacements and backups are important. The midfield line up at Arsenal consisting of players like Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Arteta often fails to play consistently and are injury prone. Despite Coquelin getting injured for the first time in years, Arsenal have failed to retrieve a good backup. In this case Arsenal don’t have a player in the midfield who can strike a partnership with Ozil and nor do they have a midfielder who can go box to box and help out defensively as well as in the attack. Arsenal lack an attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder.
Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck are the only 2 strikers Arsenal have and while one is on the sidelines for what seems like eternity, Arsenal can’t really rely on Giroud alone. Hence Arsenal need a young striker too for loan mostly or a permanent transfer (which ever Wenger prefers) who will give the much needed rest for Giroud and take off Arsenal’s dependence on the French striker.
Here are the people Arsenal can target and probably land in this window. If every single Arsenal player is fit, Arsenal need only a central defensive midfielder but looking at the list of injured players now Arsenal do need at least 2-3 players who can come into the side immediately replacing the injured ones efficiently.
1) Aleksandr Kokorin
Kokorin finds himself in the list of Russia’s emerging youngsters. The lad being 24 years is a huge boost. Aleksandr Kokorin plays as a centre forward or as a striker. In 8 appearances for Dynamo Moscow, Kokorin has scored 4 goals and has a pass percentage of 75% this season. He has played 650+ minutes, which is also an achievement and a trait for which Arsenal can land him in.
Aleksandr Kokorin can reduce Arsenal’s dependence on Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck and make a name for himself at England. He may as well turn out to be one perfect buy for the Gunners. Kokorin is a really good dribbler and a sublime poacher. He gets into good positions, waits for the ball and neatly slots it in. With an assist king like Ozil behind you, who wouldn’t shine? I can already feel the excitement to feel my eyes on this potentially brilliant kokorin and Ozil partnership. Though Kokorin isn’t tall enough, he is a team player who can be really effective if the play is from the ground and preferably not in the air. While Giroud can provide an aerial threat, Kokorin can compliment him in the style of his own. Arsenal must bring in this young lad if they can!
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has confirmed that Emily Fox is likely to miss Wednesday’s League Cup semi final clash with Manchester United after the defender suffered a head injury in the FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
The United States international came off in the 22nd minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory and was replaced by January signing Smilla Holmberg.
Fox has been an ever present figure in the Arsenal team this season, featuring in all 12 of their WSL clashes. Her absence for such a crucial semi final represents a significant blow to the Gunners, though Slegers will be hopeful that Fox can return for Arsenal’s vital WSL clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Slegers Taking Cautious Approach
The Arsenal manager explained the club’s careful handling of Fox’s injury. “We assessed her yesterday and today, and we just want to make really good decisions with Foxy. It’s looking likely she won’t be in the squad tomorrow, and then we will assess her again tomorrow and the day after. That’s where we’re at now with Foxy.”
This is the right approach from Slegers, who cannot afford to rush Fox back and risk a more serious injury. Head injuries must be treated with extreme caution, and Arsenal are sensibly prioritizing the player’s long term health over short term results.
Holmberg Could Start Against United
Fox’s absence will likely present a chance for new signing Holmberg to start against the Red Devils. The Swedish defender impressed after coming on against Villa and will be eager to prove herself in such a high profile fixture.
Slegers also confirmed that goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar will be in the squad after missing matches since November 19, while Leah Williamson remains unavailable.
Arsenal face a hectic schedule with the League Cup, Chelsea in the WSL, and the Women’s Champions Cup all upcoming.
Also read: Renee Slegers Signs New Arsenal Contract Until 2029 After Champions League Glory
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Star Katie McCabe Attracting NWSL Interest as Contract Expires This Summer With High Impact Player Rule Making Move Financially Viable
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is being closely monitored by National Women’s Soccer League clubs ahead of a pivotal summer for Arsenal. Several NWSL sides have shown ongoing interest for the past 18 months, fully aware that McCabe’s Arsenal deal expires at the end of the season.
The situation places McCabe at an important crossroads in her career. Having tasted Champions League triumph last summer, she wants to compete at the top level and that ambition will inevitably shape any decision she makes. Arsenal face losing one of their most recognizable figures unless they act quickly.
Ten Arsenal Stars Out of Contract
McCabe is not the only high profile name at Arsenal approaching the end of her current deal. The club has a staggering number of senior players out of contract this summer including Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, Laia Codina, Steph Catley, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger.
This list is frankly ridiculous for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Several of these players form the core of the team and have played key roles in recent domestic and European success. Decisions made by the club and by the players themselves will shape the direction of the squad moving forward, and Arsenal cannot afford to lose multiple stars simultaneously.
High Impact Player Rule Changes Game
The introduction of the NWSL High Impact Player rule in July is already influencing how clubs view potential signings from Europe. The rule allows NWSL clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap by up to $1 million for high impact players, making moves for European stars like McCabe financially viable.
For now, McCabe remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Arsenal. Whether her future lies in north London or across the Atlantic will be one of the biggest stories to watch as summer approaches.
Also read: What Is The NWSL High Impact Player Rule and Who Could Be The First To Benefit From It?
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
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