Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of USA international full-back Emily Fox, as exclusively revealed by Arseblog News on 16 December.
Ideally was hoping to say this after a win (!) but I understand that #USWNT right-back Emily Fox to Arsenal in January is at an advanced stage #AWFC https://t.co/ggtBApUKMH
— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator) December 16, 2023
The 25-year-old USA international will wear the number 2 shirt and will be considered primarily a right-back, where she normally plays for the US. Fox spent last year at North Carolina Courage and was a restricted free agent, which made it easier for a club from outside the US to do a deal. The full-back has won 39 caps for her country in total. She represented the USA at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all four of their matches during the competition.
“It feels amazing to have signed here,” Fox told Arsenal.com. “When I think of Arsenal, I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family. I think of pushing the standards of football and especially in the women’s game. It’s a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent this club and I’m excited to get started and play in front of our supporters.”
Head coach Jonas Eidevall said: “We’re delighted to bring Emily to Arsenal and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming her to our club. Emily has shown impressive development over recent seasons and her strengths in both phases will make her an important addition to our squad. At international level, the experience she’s built up gives her an excellent foundation to make the transition to English football. Welcome, Emily!”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Emily is an experienced international defender and we are very pleased to have added her to our squad. Having spent time tracking Emily’s career to date, we believe she has all the tools to integrate into the environment here at Arsenal and make a big contribution to us achieving our goals.”
The path to Fox’s arrival was eased by the departure of Swiss right-back Noelle Maritz to Aston Villa earlier this month. Fox can also play as a left-back but with Steph Catley and Katie McCabe available for that role and Laura Wienroither likely to miss the majority of the season due to an ACL injury, Fox is very much considered for the right-back role.
As a Courage fan from North Carolina, it is bittersweet to see the NC Courage tag on ArseblogNews.
Fox is going to make us much more dangerous in possession and going forward.
That’s good to hear.
Happy to hopefully have right back sorted! Apparently she played a lot of left back as well so nice to have that versatility for more options.
Excellent signing
Courage are my local club and I’m sorry to see her leave, but glad she landed where she did. I expect that fellow Tar Heel Alessia Russo gets to keep the #23 jersey.
Yes! Fox is a talent. Plus, I always want to see an American play for the Arsenal.
You had your chance with Matt Turner and perhaps Auston Trusty.
Ahem. And Tobin Heath, who’s also a fan.
… and Balogun.
Trusty the process !
We had Tobin Heath.
And HAO not that long ago!
Zelalem too
Hurrah! Welcome to Arsenal Women, Emily Fox. Help us push for the title.
A player entering her peak years. It’s great that she can play on both sides, but I’m relieved to see her described as a RB on the club website as well.
I was able to watch Emily for a season here in Louisville in the states for Racing Louisville and she stands out on the field. Great positioning, great anticipation, great vision, solid possession game, good for a solid tackle when necessary, etc. She can play multiple positions, but left and right back are her bread and butter. She was a favorite among the players as well, which says a lot as it was her first season as a professional and stepping into a locker room with seasoned veterans. Given she already has chemistry with a few players, I expect she… Read more »
Now I’m *really* excited!
I have read she is also quite fast
Finally, Arsenal, we have our Fox in the box.
😆
Nice one.