Arsenal have completed the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
The Gunners have been in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer and had also been tracking Mary Earps, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain after her contract at Manchester United expired.
Van Domselaar, however, emerged as their top target around the turn of the year and Arsenal have now swooped to sign her.
The Dutch No1 has only been at Aston Villa for one season after joining them from FC Twente, but had a release clause in her contract worth around £200,000.
“I’m really happy to be here,” said Van Domselaar. “If you look at Arsenal – the players, the team, the stadium – it’s a huge club and I’m so excited to be part of this club.
“I want to win trophies and achieve big things, and Arsenal is the right place for me to do both. I can’t wait to play at Emirates Stadium in front of all the supporters and show what I can do.”
Before joining Aston Villa last summer, Van Domselaar made 106 appearances for Twente and won eight domestic trophies across a six-year spell.
The 24-year-old impressed for the Dutch at both Euro 2022 and the World Cup a year later, prompting her to secure a move to the Women’s Super League.
She will now fight to be the No1 at Arsenal with Manuela Zinsberger, who signed a new contract back in January.
Daphne is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world
“We’re delighted to bring Daphne to the club,” said Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall.
“She is a top goalkeeper and already has considerable experience on some of the biggest stages, while we believe she has a great deal of potential for future development, too.
“Daphne will further strengthen our goalkeeper unit alongside Manu and Naomi, and will be a strong addition to the team as we prepare for an important new season.”
Arsenal’s director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, said: “Daphne is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world and we are very pleased to confirm her arrival here at Arsenal.
“She has a hunger to develop and succeed that closely aligns with our ethos at the club and we’re confident she will be a great addition to our squad.”
