Arsenal Women have reinforced their defence ahead of the 2017-18 season with the signings of Swedish international Jessica Samuelsson and the return of Germany international Josephine Henning. With Casey Stoney and youngsters Anna Patten and Lotte Wubben-Moy having left recently, the Gunners were in great need of defensive reinforcements.
They announced the signing of Swedish defender Jessica Samuelsson on Friday. Samuelsson can play at right-back or left-back, which will provide captain Alex Scott with competition and provide key cover at left-back with Emma Mitchell still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
With Fara Williams’ departure to Reading, Dominique Janssen will probably move into her more natural midfield role, with Samuelsson providing left-back insurance in her stead. Samuelsson joins from Linkopings, the 25 year old has also played for Australian side Melbourne Victory. She has 24 caps for Sweden and will wear the number 25 shirt.
The return of Josephine Henning is a more surprising signing. The German centre half left Arsenal 12 months ago to join Lyon’s historic treble winning team. She was also a gold medal winner in last year’s Rio Olympics with Germany. But she has returned to the Gunners, whom she helped to FA Cup glory in 2016.
Pedro Losa’s side is also heavily linked with 24-year old Norwegian centre half Maria Thorisdottir, who currently plies her trade with Klepp. She has 16 caps for her country. Arsenal have already added to their attacking options over the close season with the captures of Dutch striker Vivienne Miedema and Scottish winger Lisa Evans. The girls kick off their WSL campaign with a home game against Birmingham City on 24th September.
Got enough CBs?
Loan them to men’s team then.
Well, now there are 2 recognised CBs in the squad and one midfielder that can play there. So, no!
I’m in America and really want to see the women’s games. How can I do that?
Tough at the moment, but Arsenal say they are going to start live streaming games on Facebook next season, so keep ’em peeled!
Women’s football has grown immensely in the UK largely down to the professionalism of the Arsenal Ladies/Women’s organisation and other clubs taking it seriously. It has become more and mroe enjoyable to watch and the national team is also thriving because of this. Gives us all cause to be proud of the Arsenal Women. Vic Akers has alot to be proud of as he was instrumental in our earlier successes…I just hope we can also be just as proud of the men’s team once again!
Shame Wenger doesn’t show the same level of urgency regarding the cm and cb positions
Not every post has to be about Arsene Wenger, thanks.
Gonna get myself into women’s football. We seem to do really well.
Is it okay to point out that she’s stunning?
Fyi, I said the same thing when I first saw Giroud.
No, it’s not. You horrible sexist, I’m disgusted. You just wait till the ‘Loose Women’ hear about this!
There’s more to a woman than her tackle and heading ability you know!? Or are you only interested in Giroud’s tackle because he’s a man? Hmmm? HMMMM!?
(sarcasm x alcohol/lack of daylight = me typing comments) ?
Are the womens’ games televised? I think I will start watching them and our u-23 instead of our the men’s team.
Some are on BT Sport and some are on BBC Sport’s website (not geo blocked). Club also want to live stream games on facebook next season. So some of them are, but more and more should be soon!
That women’s squad looks very good now, very balanced. Do you know what is happening with a) Dan Carter and b) Vyan Sampson?
It’s gone very quiet on Dan, but I can’t pretend I know for sure. Was worried when we signed Lisa Evans and City let Toni Duggan go, but Kelly, Humphrey and McCabe leaving quells that fear. Vyan is still recovering from injury. Devastating for her really, I would be surprised if those injuries haven’t wrecked her career.
Thanks, Tim. Everything crossed for both. Good news today about Louise Quinn – some actual height at CB!
I live in Linköping and have seen her both at club level and international level quite a lot. Real good addition to the squad. Strong in position and very adept at going forward.