"With so many senior players' contracts expiring in June, Arsenal's focus was on preparing for the summer, when they are expected to go through a major rebuild. Therefore their quiet window was no surprise, but they will be relatively pleased to have brought in a star of the future, Smilla Holmberg, at right-back and to have fulfilled their need for a backup goalkeeper, with Barbora Votikova's deadline-day loan."
"Much more significant, though, is the positive progress they are understood to have made in their attempt to sign Georgia Stanway on a free at the end of the season, and big decisions such as not seeking to extend Katie McCabe's stay, as they prepare to refresh the team. Key ins: Smilla Holmberg (Hammarby), Barbora Votikova (Slavia Prague, loan) Key outs: Jenna Nighswonger (Aston Villa, loan), Laila Harbert (Everton, loan)"
"The signing of Oriane Jean-Francois from Chelsea, for a fee reportedly as high as 450,000, is a major move from Villa, whose results have not gone the way they would have wanted in 2026 but can who be satisfied with their acquisitions. They also brought in Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal. The United States defender arrived in England with a terrific reputation but things have not worked out for her in north London so,"
Arsenal focused on preparing for a summer rebuild as many senior players' contracts expire in June. The club completed a quiet window but signed promising right-back Smilla Holmberg and secured backup goalkeeper Barbora Votikova on deadline-day loan. Arsenal are understood to have made positive progress in pursuing Georgia Stanway on a free transfer and decided against extending Katie McCabe's contract as part of broader squad refreshment. Aston Villa invested heavily, signing Oriane Jean-Francois from Chelsea and loaning Jenna Nighswonger to provide defensive options. Brighton refused offers for Fran Kirby, keeping the forward due to her importance to the team.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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