#arsenal

#arsenal

It's a dream come true. Getting my debut is one thing and then scoring on my debut is another. Just so thankful, just so happy. As I was watching the game I saw the game becoming a bit tense and we had more control of the ball than before, so I knew that going into the last couple of minutes, it was going to be more end-to-end, so I just tried to do the best I can. Luckily, I scored.

A hard-fought 3-1 victory over OH Leuven at Meadow Park sent Arsenal through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The visitors tested Renee Slegers' side when Sara Pusztai cancelled out Alessia Russo's goal but a penalty from Mariona Caldentey and second from Russo secured the win, earning them a comfortable 7-1 aggregate score.

England Under-16s manager Barry Lewtas has confirmed his squad for a mid-season trip to Turkey, where they will play a trio of matches in Antalya. Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri, currently on loan in Ligue 1 with managerless Marseille, has cause to celebrate. His younger brother, Emerson Nwaneri, has been included in the 22-man squad. Lewtas' team will play Denmark, France and Spain at the Emirhan Sport Complex in the last week of February and the younger Nwaneri is one of two Arsenal players making the trip.

Calafiori has been crucial this season for Arsenal Comfortable operating at left-back or as part of a back three, the 23-year-old offers tactical versatility, composure in possession and progressive passing from deep, traits highly valued in Arteta's system. When fit, Calafiori has slotted seamlessly into Arsenal's defensive framework. His ability to invert into midfield during build-up phases has mirrored the modern full-back role Arteta demands, while his defensive positioning and anticipation have strengthened the back line in high-pressure fixtures.

Arsenal's medical woes took center stage during their latest outing as concerns grow over the fitness of key defensive pillars. While the Gunners have maintained an impressive run of form, the physical toll of a relentless schedule is beginning to manifest in the dugout, leaving Mikel Arteta with significant tactical headaches ahead of a grueling run of fixtures. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Riding the wave of a huge victory over league-leaders Manchester City, Arsenal will be looking to back it up and keep the pressure on at the top of the Women's Super League. The Gunners are unbeaten in nine league games, their last defeat coming in October against City and only a win will do to keep the the title race alive.

It is for good reason that Arteta rates one of his more recent signings so highly. Zubimendi has been justifying his manager's comments since signing from boyhood club Real Sociedad in July 2025. The 27-year-old has played the most minutes of any of Arsenal's outfield players and has been chipping in with goals too. And that goal return may have come as a surprise, with Zubimendi signed primarily as a defensive midfielder but now having scored six times in 34 appearances - the most he has registered during any campaign in his career.

Liverpool are the frontrunners in a race with Manchester City and Arsenal to sign Newcastle United's former Everton winger Anthony Gordon, 24, but the England international will cost 95m. (Caughtoffside), external The move comes as Mohamed Salah, 33, looks set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, with the Saudi Pro League planning to push ahead with plans to land the Egyptian forward. (Teamtalk), external

The Gunners have looked a little light up front in recent times after injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, while Viktor Gyokeres has been unconvincing in his first season at the Emirates Stadium. Esposito is someone who's caught Arsenal's eye, with Berta looking to gather key details on the 20-year-old, according to Football Transfers. Mikel Arteta also seems to be on board, with Arsenal as a whole clearly recognizing the need to bring in a top young attacking player.

The first legs of the playoffs to reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women's Champions League did not disappoint, with 16 goals scored across four matches this week. Defending champions Arsenal appear to have one foot in the last eight after their 4-0 win at Oud-Heverlee Leuven, as do their fellow Women's Super League side Manchester United following their 3-0 victory at Atlético Madrid. Things are much tighter in the other two ties, however: Real Madrid won 3-2 at Paris FC but conceded late to give their French opponents hope of overturning the deficit, while two-time European champions VfL Wolfsburg and Juventus battled to a 2-2 draw in Germany.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in the Barcelona attacker Raphinha. The 29-year-old has been one of the best players in the world since joining, with 18 goal contributions this season. According to Fichajes, Arsenal have long admired the player and are prepared to reignite their interest in the attacker. Mikel Arteta has tried to sign the player in the past. However, Barcelona does not plan to lose him anytime soon.

Partey will appear at Westminster magistrates court on 13 March in relation to the additional charges issued by the Crown Prosecution Service over allegations that date from 2020. The 32-year-old, who signed for the Spanish club Villarreal in August after his Arsenal contract expired, was charged in July with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2021 and 2022 when he was an Arsenal player.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has suffered a fresh injury setback and is likely to miss the north London derby against Tottenham, sources have told ESPN. The 26-year-old has been restricted to just seven appearances this season and only returned to action last month after suffering a knee problem on the opening weekend of the campaign. The exact nature of the injury is unclear but sources suggest it is a muscular issue with Havertz sidelined for Thursday's Premier League trip to Brentford.