Arsenal Women are on the verge of signing Liverpool forward Olivia Smith for a world record fee, according to the Guardian.
They are preparing to offer around £1 million for the 19-year-old Canadian international. That figure would make her the most expensive player in women’s football.
Smith joined Liverpool in July 2024 from Sporting CP, with the Merseyside club paying a club-record fee of just over £200,000.
Liverpool had earlier rejected offers for the young forward, but the Gunners’ bid has now been accepted.
Smith scored seven goals in 20 Women’s Super League (WSL) matches during her debut campaign in England.
Liverpool finished seventh in the WSL, but Smith’s performances were a bright spark in their campaign.
Gunners building on Champions League success
Arsenal are hoping to improve their squad after winning the Women’s Champions League.
They have already signed Chloe Kelly from Manchester City on a free transfer. Left-back Taylor Hinds also joined on a free after her Liverpool deal expired.
However, Smith’s signing underlines their intent to strengthen the attack.
She is a versatile forward who can play both wide and centrally. Smith is renowned for her pace, power and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
Her movement, speed and technical skill have made her one of the most exciting young players in the world.
The move demonstrates Arsenal’s ambition to become the dominant force in women’s football.