Arsenal Women spent deadline day sealing the loan arrival of Czech goalkeeper Bara Votikova from Slavia Prague, with the new shot-stopper becoming the Gunners’ second, and final, January signing.

Renee Slegers’ side went into the transfer window third in the Women’s Super League and having progressed to the Champions League play-off round, where Leuven await. 

They ended it having lifted the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup, but defeat to Manchester United in the Subway Cup highlighted attacking concerns. League title dreams have once again been pushed back to next season, with Manchester City looking set to end Chelsea’s stranglehold.

Other clubs have had busy windows. Tottenham have targeted the Scandinavian market, looking to realise the potential of their impressive start to the season and push for a top-three spot. The likes of Liverpool needed to invest and were able to, whilst Manchester City bolstered their midfield with USA international (and well-known Arsenal fan) Sam Coffey.

Arsenal are in for a very big summer of outgoings and incomings, with the number of contracts set to expire come the end of the season in double figures as the Gunners went into the winter break. Renee Slegers would have been one, but Arsenal’s head coach penned a new long-term deal, with Jodie Taylor becoming technical director a clear signal of how Slegers wants to work moving forward.

Mariona Caldentey and Kyra Cooney-Cross have reportedly triggered options in their contracts, whilst talks with a number of key players are said to be progressing well. Katie McCabe is likely to end her long stay in North London, and will not be the only player to move on.

There is a sense, however, that the Gunners could have done more to seize the opportunity long before the summer months. Georgia Stanway looks set to return to England and become an Arsenal player, and the club have reportedly held talks with Ona Batlle over a move when her contract expires with Barcelona. 

Rounding up all of Arsenal Women's deadline day action, including the latest on why Sophie Harwood will stay with the Gunners rather than going on loan- @GoonerFanzine ??https://t.co/e2H2KUirCs

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) February 4, 2026

Batlle, who can play on the left side, and two-time Euro winner Stanway are clear signs of intent, and good business, but Stanway in particular is proof that Arsenal are trying to fix an issue that could do with some more short-term assistance.

Arsenal’s midfield, quite simply, remains reliant on 35-year-old captain Kim Little, and former Barcelona forward Caldentey. This is nothing against the duo, who continue to age like fine wine, but Caldentey’s deeper role will always feel like something of a missed opportunity. Her rare ventures in attacking midfield this season have offered a reminder of what Arsenal could have, should they find a number six who can support Little.

Centre-back Laia Codina came on in the Champions Cup final for Kim Little and played alongside Caldentey in midfield, before Victoria Pelova eventually replaced the latter. Pelova does not seem to be trusted in a deeper position and has struggled to hold down a particular role under Slegers. Kyra Cooney-Cross and Little formed a strong partnership in the pivot before Christmas, before the Australian was absent for personal reasons at the start of 2026.

Whilst Frida Maanum has flattered to deceive in the number ten role, and Arsenal’s forwards underperformed in front of goal, it was felt that problems stemmed from the midfield. Had Arsenal acted in January to try and bring in a defensive midfielder to support Little, and/or Cooney-Cross, Caldentey could be afforded a run of games in behind Alessia Russo or Stina Blackstenius, and Arsenal could perhaps finally enjoy being able to consistently play one player in that role.

Likewise, bringing in a striker to take some of the pressure off the aforementioned Russo and Blackstenius, could also have helped Slegers’ side in their quest to hit the attacking heights of her maiden season in charge. The future looks bright, despite Michelle Agyemang’s anterior cruciate ligament injury- Jessie Gale for one has found goalscoring form on loan with Portsmouth and then Bristol City.

Ultimately, it feels that Arsenal have made positive steps towards their upcoming summer overhaul, but the potential for progress on the pitch from now until then risks not being fulfilled.

Smilla Holmberg was with the squad from just a few days into the New Year, and joined officially on a long term contract on January 5. The Swedish full-back has hit the ground running, and represents the kind of business that Arsenal need to do more. 

Attracting young, talented players should always be routine enough for a club of their stature- what Arsenal have to improve on is keeping them happy, and finding playing time. Holmberg arrived with sufficient Damallsvenskan experience, and clear potential to become a world-class full-back. She will hope to blaze a trail not trodden on by the likes of Gio, Kathrine Kuhl, and more recently Rosa Kafaji.

Finally, Arsenal will be hoping for some better playing time for their loan players. The WSL2 is proving a difficult division for young loanees to find minutes, and it’s understood more clubs will look overseas for loans. Sophie Harwood will stay put, with Taylor Hinds awaiting to find out the extent of her foot injury, and Steph Catley off to the Asia Cup next month.

Cecily Wellesley-Smith has linked up with Renee Slegers’ previous club Rosengard after making just two appearances for Leicester, and Laila Harbert has secured a good WSL loan with Everton. Getting her future right should be a priority for Arsenal, with decisions to be made on the likes of Kafaji, Naomi Williams and others come the end of the season. 

If January was quiet, the summer months are set to be anything but.