Crossword Genius

London players are captivating south: north also? Not so! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arsenal

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'london players are captivating south north also? not so' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'are captivating south north also? not so' is the wordplay.
'captivating' indicates putting letters inside (captivate could historically mean to hold captive).
'south' becomes 's' (abbreviation).
'north' becomes 'n' (abbreviation).
'not' suggests deleting specific letters.
'also' with 'so' removed is 'al'.
'are' going around 's' is 'arse'.
'arse'+'n'+'al'='ARSENAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arsenal that I've seen before include "Depot for arms and other military equipment" , "Eleven" , "Place where guns and ammunition are stored" , "weapons are kept here" , "London premiership football team" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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