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Emily Keogh
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Canada worldwide Olivia Smith on a long-term contract, with sources telling ESPN that it’s a world-record charge and the primary £1 million switch in ladies’s soccer.
Sources have instructed ESPN that the 20-year-old’s transfer to the Champions League winners — who matched Liverpool‘s world file expectations — is larger than the most recent record, Naomi Girma to Chelsea for $1.1m (£820k).
Sources instructed ESPN that Liverpool stood agency on their vaulation and have been reluctant to let the younger participant go. Presents beneath Liverpool’s calls for have been refused, with Chelsea, OL Lyonnes and Arsenal having bids rejected earlier than the north London membership matched the excessive worth.
“It is a privilege and an honour to signal for Arsenal,” Smith instructed membership media. “It is my dream to compete for the most important titles right here in England and in Europe and I am excited to get began and contribute to doing that right here with Arsenal.
“The environment the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is unimaginable and I can not wait to have that behind me now.”
Smith joined Liverpool initially of final season, ending her first marketing campaign because the membership’s prime scorer with 9 objectives in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside membership. She was additionally named their Participant of the Season.
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Arsenal boss Renée Slegers added: “Olivia is an thrilling younger participant and we imagine she will make a giant contribution right here at Arsenal. We have been impressed by her mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a younger age. I do know she has a degree of ambition that matches our personal and we’re wanting ahead to working together with her as she continues to develop on the membership.”
Previous to becoming a member of Liverpool, Smith spent a season in Portugal with Sporting CP, ending her debut marketing campaign with 16 objectives in 28 appearances earlier than transferring to the Women’s Super League.
At worldwide degree, Smith turned Canada‘s youngest-ever participant when she received her first cap on the age of 15 in 2019. So far, she has made 18 appearances and scored 4 objectives for Canada.
Arsenal have been eager to capitalise on their Champions League win, and needed to increase their squad following Sleger’s first season in cost. A supply added that the membership have been additionally eager to herald a younger participant to attract the general squad age profile down.