Arsenal are set to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Élisa De Almeida for around €600,000, with Katie Reid’s injury situation helping explain why Renée Slegers has moved for another centre-back before the WSL transfer deadline.
Fresh reporting from The Athletic says Arsenal currently have only three fit senior centre-backs, while Reid is not expected to return from her ACL injury before November. De Almeida’s transfer is due to be completed before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
The development represents further progression from Monday, when Read Arsenal reported that Arsenal had agreed terms with De Almeida.
Arsenal set to sign Elisa de Almeida from PSG, as 1st reported by @em_sandy.
Fee in the region of €600,000. Arsenal needed CB cover, they have three fit and Katie Reid, recovering from ACL injury, is not expected back before Nov. @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/PKz9dSfU0I
— Charlotte Harpur (@charlotteharpur) September 3, 2026
Why Arsenal have moved for De Almeida
Arsenal’s need for additional defensive depth has become clearer.
Reid is continuing a lengthy rehabilitation from the ACL injury she suffered last year and The Athletic reports she is not expected back before November.
That leaves Slegers with only three fully-fit centre-backs at the start of a season in which Arsenal will be competing across the WSL, domestic cups and Champions League.
De Almeida offers an experienced solution.
The 28-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also operate at right-back, a role she has performed for France. She has been with PSG since 2021 and has accumulated significant Champions League and international experience.
The Guardian also reports that Arsenal are finalising the deal, putting the transfer fee at just over £500,000.
Arsenal set to pay around €600k
The Athletic’s latest figure puts the fee in the region of €600,000, while earlier reporting had suggested approximately £550,000.
Those figures are broadly consistent once currency conversion and the exact structure of the deal are considered.
BBC Sport previously reported that De Almeida has made more than 100 appearances for PSG and earned 52 France caps, including involvement at the 2023 World Cup and Euro 2025.
That makes this a very different signing from one aimed purely at long-term development.
Arsenal need someone capable of contributing immediately.
Our feature on Arsenal Women’s extensive summer rebuild explains why expectations have risen significantly around Slegers’ squad ahead of the new season.
De Almeida could be needed quickly
Arsenal begin their WSL campaign away to Brighton on Sunday.
Supporters can find the kick-off time and broadcast information in our Brighton Women vs Arsenal Women viewing guide.
Champions League football will follow shortly afterwards, making defensive depth particularly important while Reid continues her recovery.
De Almeida therefore looks increasingly like a necessary squad addition rather than a deadline-day luxury.
Arsenal have not officially announced the transfer yet, but multiple reports now expect the move to be completed before tonight’s deadline.
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