Arsenal Women have completed the signing of Lina Hurtig from Juventus. The Swedish forward becomes just their second arrival of the summer after goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese came in earlier in the window.
The Gunners had been looking to add a versatile forward to the squad after Nikita Parris left to join Manchester United. The England international only joined Arsenal herself last summer, but struggled to make too much of an impact as she attempted to adapt to Jonas Eidevall's playing style.
Eidevall had been keen to bring in someone who adds to his vast wealth of attacking options that includes Ballon d'Or nominees Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. And now he has got the player he was after in Hurtig who joins from Juventus where she has been playing under former Arsenal coach Joe Montemuro.
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“Lina is an excellent forward who will bring power and dynamism to our game," Eidevall said. "She has shone in the Champions League and international tournaments and we are delighted that she will be lining up for Arsenal moving forward.”
Hurtig is an experienced international who has 19 goals in 58 appearances for Sweden, having made her debut back in 2014. The 26-year-old has won two league titles, two Italian Super Cups and one Coppa Italia while with Juve, as well as one Damallsvenskan title in her home country.
“It feels so great – I'm very happy to be here,” Hurtig said. “I've always, always wanted to play in England, and I've always been interested in English football, so it’s super exciting for me to be here. I know Arsenal are a great club, with great players and lots of quality, so I think I will enjoy it here.”
Hurtig was among several players Arsenal considered to fill the forward void in their squad. However, head of women's football Claire Wheatley stated that it was her tactical profile that led the Gunners to go for the Swede in the end.
“Lina was a key target for us this summer so we are pleased to have completed this signing," Wheatley said. "She is exactly the right profile of player for Arsenal and will add quality and experience to our squad.”
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