Arsenal agree terms to sign De Almeida from PSG

Arsenal have secured the signing of France defender Elisa de Almeida from Paris St-Germain, completing a deadline-day transfer. The fee is estimated to be around £550,000, making her the club's eighth signing of the summer. De Almeida, 28, has agreed to a three-year contract and is set to bolster the Gunners' defensive lineup, which currently features only three centre-backs.

A versatile player, she can operate at centre-back, a position currently impacted by injuries to young England defender Katie Reid, who is set to return in November.

De Almeida expressed her excitement about joining Arsenal, noting her admiration for the club and the supporters' atmosphere. She spent five years at PSG, accumulating over 154 appearances and representing France in the 2023 Women's World Cup and Euro 2025. The defender has also played 52 games for France, contributing to the national team's squads.

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised De Almeida's composure, mobility, and experience, stating that she is a valuable asset to the team's attack. The Gunners aim to win their first Women's Super League title since 2019 and have already strengthened their squad with the signings of England midfielder Georgia Stanway and Spain full-back Ona Batlle. Arsenal's WSL campaign begins at Brighton on September 6, 2025, at 12:00 BST.