Arsenal - Andrea Berta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Women began the 2025/26 season with clear intent, to go one better and reclaim the Women’s Super League title after finishing second last term.
Head coach Renee Slegers oversaw a blockbuster summer window, highlighted by the world-record £1 million signing of Canadian forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool. The 19-year-old’s arrival added serious firepower to an already potent frontline.
Arsenal also brought in England winger Chloe Kelly on a free transfer from Manchester City, defender Taylor Hinds from Liverpool, and German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe from Wolfsburg, creating a squad brimming with talent and depth across all positions.
The new additions injected energy and attacking flair, but the Gunners’ early campaign has been a mix of dominance and difficult lessons. They opened their WSL season in emphatic fashion, crushing West Ham 5–1 on September 12, with Smith and Kelly both impressing.
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A 3–2 loss to Manchester City on October 4 then exposed defensive gaps, though Arsenal quickly bounced back with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace on October 12.
In Europe, results have been more unpredictable. A surprising 2–1 home defeat to Lyon on October 7 tested the team’s resilience, but a confident 2–0 win away to Benfica on October 16 restored belief. Sitting third in the WSL with three wins from six, Arsenal remain firmly in the title race. Still, Slegers has called for more consistency amid a packed schedule.
“We’re building something special, but we need to convert chances and stay solid,” she said following the win over Benfica.
Smilla Holmberg
Sweden defender Smilla Holmberg (Image credit: Getty Images)
Now, Arsenal are reportedly close to adding another rising star to their ranks. According to Swedish journalists Amanda Zaza and Daniel Kristoffersson, the North London club are finalising a deal to sign 19-year-old Sweden international right-back Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby IF.
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The move, expected to be completed in the January 2026 transfer window was initially planned for the summer but postponed so Holmberg could finish her Damallsvenskan season. Valued at £500,000, her release clause represents strong value for a player already establishing herself as a mainstay for Sweden’s senior team after standout performances at the European Championships.
Holmberg is seen as a long-term successor in the right-back role, offering attacking drive, pace, and composure in possession. Her ability to make progressive runs and deliver from wide areas aligns perfectly with Slegers’ 4-3-3 system, which depends on overlapping full-backs to stretch defences.
Should the deal be confirmed, Holmberg would provide immediate competition for Emily Fox and further enhance Arsenal’s depth as they push for domestic and continental success.
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