Jenna NighswongerReuters
Tom Rostance
BBC Sport journalist
Aston Villa have signed USA defender Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.
Villa have an option to make the move permanent for the 25-year-old, who has played only 16 minutes in the Women's Super League (WSL) this season.
"We have been tracking her for some time and are delighted that she has bought into our exciting project," said Villa director of women's football Marisa Ewers.
"This signing forms part of our growing ambitions as we continue to build an exciting and competitive squad, and we believe Jenna will add real quality to the group."
Nighswonger was part of the USA squad that won Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
Villa are eighth in the WSL after 11 games.
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on theWomen's Football Weekly feed
Related topics
Football
Women's Super League
Women's Football
Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page