Arsenal
Arsenal reviving interest in signing this speedy £175,000-a-week winger in January would be a masterstroke
Why Arsenal should reignite interest in signing Yannick Carrasco in January
According to The Sun, Arsenal have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Belgian international winger Yannick Carrasco.
The same report suggests that Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang, currently managed by former Newcastle United and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, are exploring the possibility of selling the 26-year-old in January, with his Belgian compatriot Dries Mertens identified as a potential alternative.
Mertens is in the last year of his contract at Napoli and the 32-year-old will be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January if he is not offered a new deal in Italy, meaning that his arrival at Dalian Yifang could pave the way for Carrasco to complete a return to top-level football. (h/t Sun)
It is widely-known that Arsenal hold a long-standing interest in Yannick Carrasco, having been linked with a move for the Belgian several times over the past twelve months.
The 26-year-old, who earns around £175,000-a-week in China would probably need to take a wage cut to join Arsenal but the Belgian is desperate to complete a move away from the Far East at all costs.
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Although there is still a lot of time to go before the January window, his imminent availability is likely to put the Gunners on red alert and Unai Emery might as well look to go all out in his pursuit of the winger during the mid-season trading period to enhance his chances of challenging for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
To put things into perspective, Dalian Yifang’s decision to cash in on Carrasco could leave the door ajar for Arsenal to bring the Belgian to the Emirates and it should be a no-brainer for the Gunners to revisit their interest in the 2018 FIFA World Cup star.
Besides adding David Luiz, Kieran Tierney and William Saliba to their defensive ranks in the summer, Arsenal also completed a club-record deal for Nicolas Pepe to add more depth and firepower to their attack.
While Pepe is yet to hit the ground running in the Premier League, Emery should be happy with how things have panned out for his side early in the campaign.
Despite that, however, Arsenal should look to bring in a natural left-sided player in January following the departure of Alex Iwobi to Everton and with Danny Welbeck and Henrikh Mkhitaryan no longer in the ranks, it is easy to figure out that someone like Carrasco could add much-needed depth in a key area of the pitch for Unai Emery.
Aubameyang and Reiss Nelson are both capable of playing down the left but the Gabonese international is more of a threat in a centre-forward role, while the latter is still very young and relatively new to the Premier League.
Not only would Carrasco add more creativity to Arsenal’s attack with his pace, dribbling and accurate crossing from the left flank, but the Belgian’s arrival is also likely to hand a massive boost to Emery’s team dynamics, considering the 26-year-old’s ability to slot seamlessly into a left wing-back role.
Emery’s experiment with a back-three system last season didn’t always pay the dividends due to lack of proper personnel in the ranks but Carrasco, who often plays for Belgium in such a role, could be a better option as compared to the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Tierney for that matter.
Truth be told, the addition of Carrasco in January could prove to be the difference between a top-four finish and Europa League mediocrity for the Gunners.
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Still only 26, Carrasco is just about to enter his prime years as a footballer and Arsenal splashing the cash on the former Atletico Madrid man in January could help them reap rich rewards for plenty of years to come.
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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