Introduction:
As Renée Slegers steps into her first full transfer window at the helm, this summer has the potential to shape the trajectory of her tenure and the future of the club itself. Fresh off a historic Champions League triumph, Arsenal’s profile is as strong as it’s ever been. With every WSL game being played at the Emirates Stadium next season, robust backing from the club, and one of the most passionate fan bases in women’s football, Arsenal are in a position to attract top-tier talent from all corners of the world.
I put the question out on social media to fans and journalists: Who should Arsenal sign this summer? Based on that feedback and my own suggestions, here are ten players Arsenal could, and arguably should consider, based on squad needs, availability, and long-term fit.
And while none of these are guaranteed, they're the types of moves that could elevate this squad and define Renee Slegers' first full window in charge.
?New @GoonerFanzine Arsenal Women Podcast episode with @daisygh02 We discuss the increase in Emirates Stadium games, the international break, and look ahead to the Euros! Have a listen here??https://t.co/Mvo2Z7i3GP
— Izzy Gilligan (@isobelgilligan) June 11, 2025
Teagan Micah
With Manu Zinsberger’s future uncertain, Arsenal could be in the market for a second goalkeeper to compete with or back up Daphne van Domselaar. Teagan Micah, who recently departed Liverpool, is a sensible candidate.
An Australian international with 22 senior caps, Micah is a composed shot-stopper and a calm presence under pressure. Though she made just 14 appearances for Liverpool, her pedigree at international level makes her more than a bench option. At 27, she brings experience and maturity, and with Liverpool already confirming her exit, this deal could be both accessible and strategic.
Jade Rose
A tweet from fellow Gooner Joe Monte first opened my eyes to this one, and it makes a lot of sense. Arsenal need defensive depth, especially following Amanda Ilestedt’s departure, and Canadian defender Jade Rose is an exciting, if slightly under-the-radar, option. Still only 22, Rose already has 30 caps for Canada and plays with a maturity well beyond her years.
She’s a natural centre-back but can also provide cover at right-back- useful given Emily Fox’s dominance in that role and the need for versatile options. It also means Fox isn’t required to play every minute of every game, reducing the risk of burnout over a long season. Athletic and intelligent in her positioning, Rose may not yet have European club experience, but her international exposure and room to grow make her an intriguing prospect.
Lynn Wilms
Lynn Wilms offers something Arsenal badly need- a reliable, versatile defender with Champions League pedigree. At just 24, she already has over 50 appearances for the Netherlands and has played a major role in Wolfsburg’s recent successes, including multiple DFB-Pokal titles and a Champions League final.
She can play both right-back and centre-back, giving Slegers options across the back line. Arsenal need strong cover for Emily Fox, and Wilms is more than just a backup- she’s a starter-level player who could thrive in a competitive squad. If Arsenal want to match European depth with European quality, this is the kind of move they should explore.
Taylor Hinds
A move that would feel both strategic and sentimental.
As recently reported by Arseblog News, Arsenal are interested in bringing Taylor Hinds back to the club. Hinds came through Arsenal’s academy and made an appearance for the Gunners in the Conti Cup back in 2017.
Now 26 and a Jamaican international, Hinds could be available on a free transfer when her Liverpool contract expires on June 30- either due to the club not renewing her deal or her choosing not to re-sign. She’s a versatile, WSL-proven player who can operate across both full-back positions, which fits well with Arsenal’s need for flexible depth.
Given that she’s not involved in the Euros and is out of contract this summer, any deal could move quickly. With Laura Wienroither likely to leave and the challenge of recruiting dedicated right-back cover behind Emily Fox, Hinds' ability to fill multiple roles makes her a logical and timely target.
Lizbeth Ovalle
Lizbeth Ovalle is a winger with serious end product- 119 goals in 258 appearances for Tigres and a regular contributor for Mexico (20 goals in 58 caps). She brings flair, dribbling ability, and a powerful left foot - three things Arsenal could use more of in wide areas.
At 25, Ovalle is at the peak of her powers and ready for the step up to European football. Her style- direct, fearless, creative- would add a different dynamic to Arsenal’s front line, especially when breaking down low blocks. She’s not just fun to watch; she’s effective. Ovalle could be one of the smartest buys of the window if Arsenal go for her.
.@TigresFemenil have released a new angle of the Lizbeth Ovalle goal, and it genuinely might be the greatest goal of all time.pic.twitter.com/fVPRNkjWOd
— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) March 4, 2025
Olivia Smith
After a breakout year at Liverpool, Canadian forward Olivia Smith is attracting plenty of attention, and rightly so. She scored six goals in 15 WSL appearances after arriving from Sporting, where she bagged 13 in 18.
At 20, Smith is an exciting young talent with pace in transition, an eye for goal, and excellent dribbling in wide areas. She can play across the front line and has already shown she can make an impact at the top level. Arsenal want younger options to complement their core of experienced forwards, and Smith fits the bill. With rumours of PSG interest, Arsenal may have to move quickly.
Linda Caicedo
Already one of the world’s most talked-about young players, Linda Caicedo would bring electric pace, creativity, and star power to Arsenal’s front line. At just 20, she’s already a World Cup breakout star, Champions League performer with Real Madrid, and a vital figure for Colombia.
She scored two stunning goals at the 2023 World Cup and continues to impress in Liga F. Caicedo’s ball-carrying and transition play would add a new layer to Arsenal’s attack, especially against high lines. While it might take a serious offer to pry her from Madrid, the Champions League title could help Arsenal stake their case.
Sam Coffey
Arsenal have been searching for a defensive midfielder for some time now, particularly with Lia Walti’s age and recent injury concerns making long-term planning a priority. One player who keeps coming up in conversations, and who makes a lot of sense, is Portland Thorns captain Sam Coffey.
At 26, Coffey already has a seriously impressive CV. She made her USWNT debut in 2022 and won Olympic gold with the team in Paris in 2024. In club football, she won the NWSL Championship as a rookie in 2022 and has been named in the NWSL Best XI twice. Known for her leadership skills, positional awareness, and ability to control the tempo of a game, she possesses traits Arsenal could really benefit from in the heart of their midfield.
With Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger already adjusting well to life in North London, Arsenal is becoming a more attractive destination for American players. And of course, if you’ve seen that picture of Coffey in an Arsenal shirt floating around online, you’ll know the fanbase already has the welcome party ready!
Trinity Rodman
This is one I had been considering even before Chloe Kelly’s arrival on deadline day- a potential blockbuster signing for Arsenal.
At the time, I wasn’t sure if Europe was on Trinity Rodman’s radar. But now, with Arsenal holding the Champions League trophy, that landscape may have shifted. For a player like Rodman, who thrives on challenge and visibility, the allure of European football at the highest level could be stronger than ever. More U.S. internationals are being drawn in, and even players like Mariona Caldentey, after years of dominance at Barcelona, have sought a new challenge elsewhere. Why not Rodman?
Rodman is already one of the biggest names in the NWSL. At 18, she became the youngest player ever drafted in league history when selected second overall by the Washington Spirit in 2021. That same year, she won the NWSL Championship, was named Rookie of the Year, and earned a spot in the Best XI. She’s since gone on to become a key figure for the USWNT, scoring three goals at the 2024 Olympics en route to a gold medal.
Now 23, she’s racked up 23 goals in 83 appearances for the Spirit, and 11 in 47 for the U.S. national team. Fast, technical, fearless in one-v-one situations, and relentless in pressing, Rodman would add another layer of dynamism to Arsenal’s attack.
I’d expect this move to come with a huge transfer fee- likely one of the most expensive deals in women’s football- but if Arsenal want to make a statement signing, this would be it.
Chloe Kelly
An obvious pick and one of the names that came up most frequently across social media when I asked who Arsenal should sign. Chloe Kelly joined Arsenal on deadline day in January, and I have to admit, I was both happy yet a bit sceptical at first. But it quickly became clear this was a perfect match- a deal that benefited both parties and has since blossomed into something beyond special.
Arsenal have been very open about their desire to keep Chloe Kelly, and honestly, I’d be surprised if her contract renewal isn’t one of the first deals to be completed this summer. Kelly’s blend of pace, power, and relentless energy fits perfectly with Arsenal’s style of play, and she’s already become a fan favourite.
This chapter shouldn’t end- it just started.
Bonus: Salma Paralluelo
This one’s a recent addition after seeing some rumours circulate on social media about Barcelona’s willingness to listen to offers. Financial Fair Play restrictions are reportedly putting pressure on the club’s women’s section, and Barcelona might consider selling players like Mapi León or Salma Paralluelo to free up salary space for next season’s renewals.
Salma Paralluelo is one of those rare talents who catches your eye the moment she steps on the pitch. A former sprinter turned winger, her speed and agility make her a constant threat down the left flank for both Barcelona and Spain. She’s the first player ever to win all three FIFA Women’s World Cups, from youth levels all the way to the senior tournament in 2023.
At just 21, Paralluelo’s goal-scoring record speaks volumes, but it’s her instinct and flair that make her such an exciting player to watch. She made waves at Villarreal before moving to Barcelona, where she’s continued to develop into a reliable attacking weapon.
It may be fantasy for now. But Arsenal have the ambition. Why not dream?
Final Words:
This summer gives Renée Slegers a rare opportunity - to take a Champions League-winning squad and build on it with fresh energy, depth, and long-term vision.
Whether it’s the continuation of Chloe Kelly’s story or the ambition of targeting a star like Salma Paralluelo, Arsenal should be in the conversation for the world’s best.
Now it’s time to act like it.