Arsenal Women are set to sign former Lyon goalkeeper and eight time Champions League winner Sarah Bouhaddi on a short term deal.
The 37-year-old is currently a free agent after spells with OL Reign in the US and Paris Saint Germain. Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo will be away at the Gold Cup in February and, with Kaylan Marckese also injured it leaves the Gunners in need of short term cover.
Bouhaddi won 11 league titles and 8 Champions League titles with Lyon. In his pre-Watford press conference, Jonas Eidevall told Sky Sports that short term goalkeeper cover was on the agenda following the signing of US International right-back Emily Fox.
‘We need to cover for one situation, the Gold Cup in February and March and we have a high likelihood of one of our goalkeepers being selected for that. We can’t predict what the availability is going to be like for the rest of our goalkeepers is going to be like during that period or how long that period is going to be.
‘Ideally we will bring someone in to help us through that period and help us manage that risk. That is one thing we need to do.’
Arseblog News understood that former Lyon goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi was a potential target and when we put that to Eidevall he answered, ‘Sarah, yes, that would be a player we would prefer to get in. But we need to wait until things are finalised but she could be an ideal candidate to come in with her experience, leadership qualities and qualities as a goalkeeper. We are looking for a short term solution that will span over this international period when the Gold Cup is being played.’
This would be a good short-term solution in a position where experience counts for so much. She has a very strong mentality, as well, a confidence bordering on cockiness.
I can see how we may need a temporary keeper but I didn’t see that coming!
Safe pair of hands, innit? Although, from memory, she could be a bit error-prone… But her confidence is undentable, she is decisive and commands her box. She has a strong personality and is very competitive. That’s my impression of her from watching France matches over the years.