Arsenal Women have emerged as major winners from the 2026 Women's Super League transfer window, strengthening their squad with eight new signings. According to analysis from Sky Sports Football, the club is ecstatic with its business and feels ready to challenge for the title this season, aiming to improve on last year's second-place finish with 51 points.
What new signings have Arsenal Women made?
The club's eighth and final signing of the summer was French international defender Elisa De Almeida, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain. Sky Sports reported that the fee for the 28-year-old centre-back is understood to be just over £500,000, and she has been given the number 5 shirt. De Almeida brings significant experience, having earned 52 caps for France and been part of their recent major tournament squads. Her arrival provides important defensive cover, particularly with Katie Reid continuing her recovery from an ACL injury. The club's recruitment focused on players at their peak, with big things expected from other arrivals like Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, and Geraldine Reuteler. You can view the full updated roster on our squad page.
How does the squad compare to last season's runners-up?
Arsenal finished the 2025 WSL season in second place, just four points behind champions Manchester City. Their record of 15 wins, six draws, and only one loss from 22 games, with 53 goals scored and 14 conceded, demonstrated a strong platform. The recent form of five wins and a draw from their final six matches showed momentum they hope to carry forward. The new signings are intended to add the final pieces needed to overtake City. Sky Sports' Anton Toloui stated that Arsenal "feel as though they have a squad ready to take on any one." The team's goal difference of +39 last term was the best in the league, and reinforcing the squad aims to maintain that defensive solidity while adding more attacking threat.
What is the context of the wider WSL window?
While Arsenal strengthened significantly, other clubs also made moves. Sky Sports noted that London City Lionesses had a big-spending summer, including the high-profile signing of Alexia Putellas. Meanwhile, Manchester City managed to retain FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw but face a potential setback with an injury to Vivianne Miedema. The Guardian reported this week that Miedema could miss at least the rest of 2026 with a serious knee injury, though it is not an ACL issue. City had inquired about potential replacements like Jennifer Echegini and Ornella Vignola before the deadline. The current standings show the four-point gap Arsenal will be looking to close when the new season begins.
Who are the other notable teams this season?
Two other stories dominated the pre-season narrative. Brighton & Hove Albion face a sudden challenge after manager Dario Vidosic's shock departure just days before the season opener against Arsenal. According to Yahoo Sports, the Australian cut short his three-year contract and is reportedly poised for a move to the NWSL. Additionally, Charlton Athletic Women have returned to the WSL after a 19-year absence. Manager Karen Hills told Sky Sports it was a "'pinch me' moment" for the former powerhouse that once challenged Arsenal and won the FA Cup. Their first game back is against Liverpool, live on Sky Sports this Sunday. Arsenal's own season begins with a trip to face a Brighton side in flux on September 6, a fixture you can find on our fixtures list.
