Arsenal academy winger Vivienne Lia has joined Southampton on loan for the rest of the season. Lia, who signed professional terms with the Gunners last week, will join the Championship side who have Gunners legend Marieanne Spacey in a technical director role.
Lia is one of a crop of academy players who will go out on loan this month, with Freya Godfrey expected to join London City Lionesses. Maddy Earl was recalled from a loan spell at Bristol City but will also go out on loan this month, with Laila Harbert also expected to go on loan too.
Katie Reid remains with the squad while Amanda Ilestedt goes through the final steps of her return from maternity leave, but she too could go on loan later in the month if Ilestedt returns as expected.
Lia made her Gunners debut in the 4-0 League Cup win over London City Lionesses in February.
This is excellent, exactly what is needed. Good news about the other young players, too.
So basically the only outfield players remaining will be senior players who know they can compete for minutes on the pitch. If Amanda Ilestedt is that close to returning that is brilliant, well done to her.
A good move for Viv to get lots of minutes and experience, hopefully it works out well for her.