Arsenal has signed Janna Nighswonger defender Jenna Nighsl NI/NY Gotham in a permanent transfer.
The news broke up at the beginning of this week that Gunners had confirmed their interest in the defender and had reached an agreement with New York side. Nighswonger's contract was set to expire at the end of 2025 Nwsl The season means that she would have the opportunity to explore the free agency in November.
She has spent the last two seasons with Gotham, taking home the honor of 2023 NWSL Rookie of the year in its first season. The defender saw her game time reduced to the back of the 2024 campaign, fighting for a starting position on the side of Juan Carlos Amoros.
The defender confirmed the news of New York's departure through social media Thursday morning, telling fans “one will always be a place I call home.”
Nighswonger was a member of National Women's Team The team that took gold home at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, featuring in four of the six games. Making her high debut for the nation in 2023, she has since appeared on the world stage 18 times.
Mostly by making its trade on the left, the versatile defender can also play in the quarterback and midfield when called. The arrival of Nighswonger will provide coach Renee Slegers with an abundance of depth in defense, as well as the ability to push McCabe Katie further into the field when needed.
The 24-year-old becomes Arsenal Only signing the January transfer window, following a small portion of the North-London club departures. Prospects of the Vivianne Lia Academy, Laila Harbart, Maddy Earl and Freya Godfrey are all exploring loan companies, while Kathrine Kuhl departs for as Rome in a permanent transfer.
“I'm very happy to be here,” said Nighswonger. “I've always wanted to play in England and join such a historic football club is a dream come true. I want to win trophies with this club and help the team in any way possible. be able to call myself an arsenal player and I can't wait to start. “
Women's football director Clare Wheatley spoke about the signing, expressing “we are pleased to take Jenna to the club and strengthen our team in a main area going to the second half of the season and beyond.
“Jenna has already won trophies with the club and the country, but has a clear potential for future growth and development, so we are confident that it will make an excellent contribution here to arsenal. I am sure our wonderful supporters will to join me in the welcome of Jenna and her family in the club. “