Arsenal Women are set to lose experienced defender Rafaelle come the end of the season, with reports this afternoon suggesting that the Brazilian will leave the club in the summer.

Rafaelle signed for Arsenal from Chinese side Changchun Zhuoyue in January 2022 and has played 21 times in the WSL for the Gunners, forming a key partnership with Leah Williamson in the centre of defence and also impressing on the left of a back three.

She played a key role in Arsenal's Conti Cup win over Chelsea earlier this season, with her header on the stroke of half time deflected home by Niamh Charles as Arsenal won their first silverware under Jonas Eidevall.

Her calm nature on the ball and willingness to drive forward from defence has been key to Arsenal's success, and the loss of a Copa America winning captain will certainly leave a large hold in Arsenal's defence for next season.

Rafaelle has been strongly linked with a move to Orlando Pride of the NWSL, where she would link up with Brazil legend Marta, who captains the team. Orlando are currently eighth in the NWSL table.

Arsenal finish their season at home against Aston Villa on Saturday, with Champions League qualification all but secured.