Arsenal Bolsters Squad With Votíková Signing As Nwaneri Stirs French Cup Controversy

Arsenal’s women’s and men’s squads are making headlines across Europe this week, with dramatic developments both on and off the pitch. From a high-profile goalkeeper signing to a loaned-out prodigy at the center of a fiery French Cup clash, the Gunners’ latest moves have fans and pundits alike buzzing with anticipation and debate.

Let’s start in North London, where Arsenal’s women’s team has acted swiftly to bolster its ranks. On February 3, 2026, the club announced the loan signing of Czech international goalkeeper Barbora Votíková from Slavia Prague, a deal set to run through the end of the 2025-2026 season. The 29-year-old shot-stopper is no stranger to English football, having previously played in the Women’s Super League with Tottenham. With 56 caps for the Czech Republic to her name, Votíková brings a wealth of experience and composure to the Gunners’ defensive unit.

The urgency of Votíková’s arrival can’t be overstated. Arsenal’s need for a seasoned goalkeeper became glaringly apparent during their recent Champions Cup final against Corinthians. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Arsenal emerged victorious with a 3-2 win after extra time. However, the triumph was marred by a late-game incident: starting keeper Anneke Borbe suffered a serious injury following a collision with teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy just moments before the final whistle. Borbe was stretchered off wearing an oxygen mask, leaving the squad in desperate need of reliable cover between the posts.

Manager Renee Slegers didn’t mince words about the importance of the new signing. “We’re delighted to bring in an experienced goalkeeper in Barbora, who will provide additional cover and competition in our goalkeeper unit,” Slegers said. “Barbora has extensive experience across different leagues in Europe and is familiar with the WSL, so we feel she is an excellent signing to strengthen our squad for the remainder of this season.”

For Arsenal, this move is about more than just plugging a gap. With the Champions Cup trophy now in their cabinet and the remainder of the season ahead, the Gunners are determined to maintain their momentum. Votíková’s proven track record in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable as the club pushes for further silverware and seeks to cement its status among Europe’s elite women’s teams.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, another Arsenal storyline is unfolding—this time involving the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player, Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old midfielder, sent on loan to Marseille last month in a bid to gain valuable senior experience, has quickly found himself at the center of a French football storm.

Nwaneri started for Marseille in their French Cup round of 16 matchup against Rennes, a tie that ultimately saw the French giants cruise to a 3-0 victory. But the result was overshadowed by controversy in the first half. After just 22 minutes, Nwaneri lunged into a challenge on Rennes midfielder Glen Kamara, catching the Finn’s ankle with significant force. Kamara was unable to continue and had to be withdrawn due to injury—a moment that sent shockwaves through the stadium and French media alike.

The reaction was immediate and fierce. Eurosport France described Kamara’s injury as “horrific,” warning that “everything could have changed very quickly for Marseille after Nwaneri’s foul on Kamara. It was a violent tackle with the Englishman’s foot on the Finn’s ankle.” The outlet didn’t shy away from controversy, asserting, “This foul could have warranted a red card.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Rennes manager Habib Beye revealed that match officials apologized after the game, admitting that Nwaneri should have been sent off. French regional daily La Provence echoed the sentiment, rating Nwaneri’s performance a 4 out of 10 and writing, “He has talent and fire in his legs, but he’s too inconsistent. Despite a handful of impressive bursts of speed, he wasn’t in the game. He completely lost it when he took out Kamara with a very heavy tackle on the ankle that deserved a red card. He only received a yellow card but was logically replaced at half-time.”

So why wasn’t Nwaneri dismissed? The answer lies in the competition rules: there’s no VAR in use at the French Cup’s round of 16 stage. RMC Sport’s live coverage spelled it out plainly: “Nwaneri’s made a huge mistake! What a challenge from the Marseille newcomer. He delivers a very harsh tackle on Kamara’s ankle. VAR isn’t in use for the round of 16 so the English midfielder gets away with it!” Post-match, the outlet added, “Despite the yellow card, Nwaneri didn’t let up and made another slightly rough tackle a few minutes later. Although not sent off by the referee, the Englishman ultimately left the field at half-time. Fearing he would be sent off, as the referee may have realised his mistake during the break, De Zerbi opted to replace him with Bilal Nadir for the second half.”

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi’s decision to substitute Nwaneri at the interval was seen as a pragmatic move, aimed at avoiding a potential red card that could have jeopardized the team’s cup run. Despite the controversy, there were glimpses of Nwaneri’s attacking flair—he’s already scored on his Marseille debut against Lens, and RMC Sport described him as “a whirlwind of energy in attack.”

For Arsenal fans, the incident is a reminder of the highs and lows that come with nurturing young talent. Nwaneri’s loan to Marseille was orchestrated by Mikel Arteta with the hope that regular first-team minutes would accelerate his development. Now, the club and player must navigate the fallout from a tackle that’s sparked debate about discipline, officiating, and the role of VAR in modern football.

Back in London, attention turns to how quickly Votíková can settle in and whether she’ll be thrust straight into action as Arsenal look to keep their title ambitions alive. The timing couldn’t be more critical, with Borbe’s recovery timeline still uncertain and the Gunners’ fixture list showing no signs of letting up.

As both stories develop, Arsenal’s commitment to squad depth and youth progression remains clear. Whether it’s adding seasoned international quality to the women’s team or giving a teenage prodigy a taste of high-stakes European football, the club is making bold moves on multiple fronts. The coming weeks promise more twists, more drama, and—if recent history is any guide—plenty more headlines for the red half of North London.

With Votíková’s arrival set to shore up Arsenal’s back line and Nwaneri’s experience in France providing valuable lessons, the Gunners are navigating challenges with ambition and resilience. Fans will be watching closely to see how these two stories unfold as the season enters its decisive phase.