Arsenal - Germany
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Women have officially announced the signing of 24-year-old German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe on a permanent deal, following the expiration of her contract with VfL Wolfsburg. The move marks the Gunners’ third free transfer of the summer, as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Women’s Super League season.
Borbe, who will wear the number 28 shirt, arrives in North London with a burgeoning reputation after a standout spell at Wolfsburg. Having initially played for the German club’s development side, she made her first-team debut in a 4-1 German Cup victory over Mainz in November 2024.
By February 2025, Borbe had established herself as Wolfsburg’s first-choice goalkeeper, starting all 14 of their remaining matches as they finished second in the Frauen-Bundesliga and reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. Across all competitions, she made 15 appearances, including 10 in the Bundesliga and three in the Champions League.
READ MORE: Arsenal announce first professional contract for 18-year-old striker
“I’m really proud to join this amazing club,” Borbe said in a statement.“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to come and be a part of Arsenal at such an exciting time. I’m looking forward to getting down to work with my teammates and, of course, playing in front of our incredible supporters at Emirates Stadium.”
Arsenal - Anneke Borbe
New Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe (Image credit: Getty Images)
Borbe’s journey to Arsenal began at Werder Bremen, where she debuted at the age of 16 in February 2017. Over seven years, she made 77 appearances for the club, helping them secure promotion to Germany’s top flight in the 2019/20 season. Her performances earned her the Player of the Season award at Bremen in 2022 before she moved to Wolfsburg in 2023. Although yet to earn a senior cap for Germany, Borbe has represented her country at the Under-23 level and brings significant potential to Arsenal’s goalkeeping unit.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers expressed her enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “We’re delighted to bring Anneke to the club. She has excellent qualities and will further strengthen our goalkeeper unit ahead of next season.” Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley echoed this sentiment, adding, “Anneke is a young goalkeeper with significant potential, and we’re very pleased to bring her to the club.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Borbe’s arrival signals increased competition within Arsenal’s goalkeeping department, which already includes Daphne van Domselaar, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, and Manuela Zinsberger. Her signing has sparked speculation about Zinsberger’s future, with the Austrian’s contract nearing its end and interest from other European clubs reportedly growing.
The addition of Borbe, who displaced Merle Frohms at Wolfsburg last season, suggests Arsenal are planning for both immediate competition and long-term stability between the posts.
The move also highlights Arsenal’s ambition following their UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in May 2025, when they defeated Barcelona 1-0 to claim the title. Borbe, who described the scale of Arsenal as “massive” upon arriving at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, is eager to contribute to the club’s continued success.
“The goalkeeper union is like a team within the team, so I’m really looking forward to meeting them,” she added, emphasising her excitement about integrating with her new teammates.
NEXT ARTICLE: Taylor Hinds returns to Arsenal with ambition to “push for more”