Arsenal Women aren’t done shopping this summer. After six signings and a wave of high-profile departures, the Gunners have reportedly turned their attention to PSG captain Sakina Karchaoui. It’s a bold move — but is it realistic?
The 30-year-old French international has been one of the most consistent performers in women’s football over the past decade. She’s versatile, she’s experienced, and she wears the armband at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. So why would she leave?
Well, according to multiple reports, Karchaoui has expressed a desire to play abroad at some point in her career. That admission alone has opened the floodgates of speculation.
Why Arsenal Want Karchaoui
Renee Slegers is rebuilding. That much is obvious. Arsenal let Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova, Laia Codina, and Manuela Zinsberger walk this summer. In return, they’ve brought in Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Lisa Baum, and teenage goalkeeper Isabella Damm.
It’s smart business. Four of those arrivals came on free transfers. But the squad still needs more depth — particularly someone who brings leadership.
Enter Karchaoui.
She ticks every box Slegers appears to value:
- Over 100 senior caps for France
- Champions League winner with Lyon in 2019/20
- Captained PSG since September 2025
- Comfortable at left-back and in central midfield
- Posted 6 goals and 4 assists in 2025/26 with an average FotMob rating of 7.64
Arsenal finished second in the WSL last season. They also won the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in February. But the domestic title has eluded them since 2019. Adding Karchaoui could provide the edge needed to finally overtake Chelsea and Manchester City.
The Obstacles Standing in Arsenal’s Way
Here’s the problem. Karchaoui isn’t easy to get. She signed a contract extension with PSG in May 2024, tying her to the club until June 2028. The Parisians have no obligation to sell and reportedly have zero intention of doing so.
PSG see her as central to their project. And after the departure of several key players, losing their captain would be a serious blow.
There’s also competition. According to the reliable French outlet IRP Paris, London City Lionesses are interested too. Michele Kang’s ambitious project in south London has already signed Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Kadidiatou Diani, and Mary Earps this summer. Adding Karchaoui would be another statement.
Women’s Football Talk reported that both Arsenal and London City Lionesses hold genuine interest. So this isn’t a one-horse race.
Could Arsenal outbid a club backed by Kang’s deep pockets? That remains to be seen. However, the Gunners do have something London City Lionesses can’t offer right now: Champions League football and a long track record at the top of the WSL.
What This Says About Arsenal’s Ambition
Even if this particular deal doesn’t come off, the pursuit tells you plenty about where Arsenal Women are heading. This isn’t a club settling for second place. Under Slegers, they’ve restructured the entire squad in a single window while maintaining their core identity.
Jodie Taylor’s promotion to Technical Director adds another strategic layer above Slegers. And the manager herself has committed to a three-and-a-half-year contract. The message? This rebuild has long-term vision behind it.
Arsenal had the oldest squad in the WSL last season. That’s changed dramatically. But the club hasn’t sacrificed experience for youth alone. Stanway, Batlle, and Reuteler are all established internationals in their prime years.
Adding Karchaoui would be the cherry on top. A proven winner, a captain, and a player who could slot into multiple positions in Slegers’ fluid system.
Whether PSG budge is another question entirely. But don’t be surprised if Arsenal keep pushing. This summer has shown they’re not afraid to aim high.
