Arsenal Women aren’t messing around this summer. Despite losing several high-profile players, the Gunners have moved fast and decisively in the transfer window. Four signings confirmed in just eight days. And they’re not done yet.
Head coach Renée Slegers has overseen a squad rebuild that’s less panic-buy, more masterclass in recruitment. What’s even more remarkable? Every confirmed deal so far has been a free transfer.
Let’s break down everything Arsenal Women have done so far — and what’s still to come.
Georgia Stanway
Arsenal’s first signing of the window landed on July 3. Georgia Stanway arrived from Bayern Munich, bringing four Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal trophies, and 93 England caps with her.
The 27-year-old won back-to-back European Championships with the Lionesses in 2022 and 2025. She also reached the World Cup final in 2023.
Stanway signed a three-year deal with an option for a fourth. She’ll wear the number 4 shirt.
“This is a massive club that is driving the women’s game forward to new levels and I want to be a part of it,” Stanway told Arsenal.com.
She fills a crucial midfield gap. With captain Kim Little now 36, Arsenal needed a long-term solution alongside Frida Maanum and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Selina Cerci
Three days after Stanway’s arrival, Arsenal confirmed German forward Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim. She’s a self-confessed Arsenal fan — and now she gets to play for the club she loves.
Cerci’s numbers speak for themselves:
- 16 Bundesliga goals in 2024-25
- 16 Bundesliga goals in 2025-26
- 34 goals in 46 total appearances across two seasons at Hoffenheim
She signed a two-year contract with an option for a third and will wear the number 29 shirt.
Slegers described Cerci as someone with “impressive goalscoring numbers” who brings “physicality and forward intent.” After Beth Mead’s departure to Manchester City, that’s exactly what Arsenal needed up front.
Geraldine Reuteler
On July 8, Swiss international Geraldine Reuteler joined from Eintracht Frankfurt on a four-year deal. Arsenal had tried to sign her the previous summer, but Frankfurt blocked the move.
This time, persistence paid off.
Reuteler racked up 54 goals and 44 assists in 184 appearances during eight seasons at Frankfurt. She’s won 91 caps for Switzerland and scored 17 international goals.
What makes her especially valuable? Versatility. She can play in all three midfield positions and also operate on the right wing.
“Arsenal is one of the best clubs in the world and I’m so proud that I can be here,” Reuteler said upon signing. She’ll wear the number 14 shirt.
Ona Batlle
The biggest statement came on July 10. Arsenal announced the signing of Spanish full-back Ona Batlle from Barcelona on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth.
Batlle’s CV is stacked:
- 2023 Women’s World Cup winner with Spain
- Two Champions League titles with Barcelona
- 114 appearances and 14 goals for Barca
- Named in FIFA’s Best Women’s XI in 2024 and 2025
- 76 senior caps for Spain
She can play at right-back or left-back, which directly addresses the gap left by Katie McCabe’s move to Chelsea. Her prior WSL experience at Manchester United means there shouldn’t be a long adjustment period.
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley called Batlle “one of the best defenders in the world.”
What About Lisa Baum?
Arsenal’s business isn’t finished. Reports from Arseblog News indicate that 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Lisa Baum is close to completing a move to north London. Unlike the other deals, this one will involve a transfer fee.
Baum contributed six goals and two assists in her debut Bundesliga season. She’s left-footed, plays primarily on the right wing, and was also wanted by Barcelona.
If the deal goes through, it’ll show Arsenal are thinking long-term too — not just plugging immediate holes.
Who Left Arsenal Women This Summer?
It’s impossible to talk about arrivals without acknowledging the departures. Arsenal have lost some serious talent:
- Katie McCabe — Chelsea (free transfer)
- Beth Mead — Manchester City (free transfer)
- Victoria Pelova — Tottenham Hotspur (free transfer)
- Manuela Zinsberger — Borussia Dortmund (free transfer)
- Laia Codina — West Ham United (free transfer)
That’s a lot of experience and leadership walking out the door. McCabe alone made over 300 appearances for the club. Mead spent nine years at Arsenal.
Can Arsenal Women Compete in 2026-27?
Here’s the thing. On paper, the new signings don’t just replace what was lost. They arguably upgrade several positions.
Stanway brings elite midfield quality. Batlle offers world-class defensive versatility. Cerci delivers proven goalscoring output. Reuteler adds depth and energy across the middle of the pitch.
All four confirmed signings arrived on free transfers, which keeps financial flexibility for further moves. Arsenal still have Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord (who recently extended her contract), Chloe Kelly, and Emily Fox in a very strong core squad.
With WSL and Champions League campaigns ahead, Slegers needs depth everywhere. So far, she’s building it smartly.
Will it be enough to challenge Chelsea and Manchester City for the title? That’s the question every Arsenal fan is asking. But after a week like this, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in north London.