Opposition…
Arsenal may have fallen short in the WSL title race last term, but they more than made up for it when they beat Barcelona 1-0 to lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy in May.
Stina Blackstenius' goal late in the day in Lisbon helped the Gunners win the continental title for the second time in their history and crown a successful campaign for Renée Slegers’ side, after the Dutch head coach replaced Swede Jonas Eidevall in the dugout midway through the season.
The Gunners will be looking to bring an end to Chelsea’s reign and have been busy in the transfer window, as they go in search of a fourth WSL title.
First through the door was Chloe Kelly, who signed a permanent contract with the Gunners after spending the second half of last season on loan from Manchester City. In 13 appearances across all competitions last term, England international Kelly - who made 19 appearances for Arsenal between 2015 and 2018 - netted twice and contributed five assists.
Kelly, alongside fellow Gunners Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben Moy and Michelle Agyemang, helped England lift UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in July. The latter recently joined Brighton & Hove Albion for a second successive season on loan.
Another player who returned to north London is Taylor Hinds, who joined on a free transfer after the expiration of her contract at Liverpool. Full-back Hinds, who spent time in the Gunners’ first team between 2017 and 2018, made 131 appearances in five seasons with Liverpool, scoring eight goals.
Then, following the arrival of Germany U19 international Anneke Borbe, Arsenal completed a world-record deal to sign attacker Olivia Smith from Liverpool. The 21-year-old Canada international made the move to Merseyside from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP last summer and went on to find the net on seven occasions in 20 appearances.