Arsenal complete signing of USWNT’s Jenna Nighswonger
Arsenal have completed the signing of USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger from Gotham FC.
reported on January 27 that Arsenal were finalising a deal for the former NWSL rookie of the year after the two teams had agreed to terms and a transfer fee of $100,000 (£80,000).
Nighswonger’s deadline-day arrival makes her Arsenal’s first signing of the January window and first addition under new permanent head coach Renee Slegers.
“I’ve always wanted to play in England and joining such an historic football club is a dream come true,” Nighswonger said. “I want to win trophies with this club and help the team in any way possible. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to call myself an Arsenal player and I can’t wait to get started.”
Gotham FC selected Nighswonger as the fourth pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and signed her to a three-year deal through the 2025 season.
The 24-year-old was a part of the USWNT Olympic roster last summer as Emma Hayes’ side won gold in Paris. She made her first senior international appearance in December 2023 and has played 18 times for the U.S.
Nighswonger’s minutes at Gotham were reduced in the latter half of the 2024 season, following the addition of Jess Carter and increased playing time for Mandy Freeman.
She will add further depth at left-back for Arsenal, with Slegers predominantly playing natural left-back Steph Catley in central defence.
“Jenna has had a great trajectory in the game and we’re delighted to bring her to Arsenal,” Slegers added. “Despite being only 24, she plays with great maturity and presence and knows what it takes to compete to win on the biggest stages at both domestic and national team level.”
Nighswonger is the latest in a series of departures from Gotham FC this offseason, with Delanie Sheehan, Sam Hiatt, Lynn Biyendolo (née Williams), Yazmeen Ryan and McCall Zerboni all exiting the club.
Arsenal are fourth in the WSL and return to action against Manchester City on Sunday.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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