Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Swedish defender Amanda Ilestedt, subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
The 30-year-old defender joins the Gunners following a two-year spell in Division 1 Feminine with Paris Saint-Germain. Prior to that, Ilestedt spent two years at Bayern Munich and won the Frauen Bundesliga title in the 2020/21 season.
In total, the centre-back has 64 senior caps for Sweden and has represented her nation at two UEFA European Championships and two FIFA Women’s World Cups, winning bronze in France in 2019. Ilestedt also won a silver medal with her country at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and she will represent Sweden at the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
READ MORE: Arsenal make major contract announcement as exciting young trio sign first pro deals
READ MORE: Key dates for Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of 2023/24 UEFA Women's Champions League campaigns
“I’m really excited and happy to be here,” Ilestedt said. “My goal is to win titles and this is a great club with great players and fantastic facilities, so I believe this is the right place for me to achieve that. There is a real sense of momentum around this club and the support has been wonderful – I can’t wait to walk out onto the pitch in the Arsenal kit.”
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall added: “I’m delighted that Amanda has joined us here at Arsenal. She brings extensive international experience and I believe she has a great mix of presence and technical ability, making her an ideal fit for our squad. I enjoyed working with Amanda during our time in Sweden and am looking forward to coaching her here at Arsenal too.”
The signing comes as a major boost to Eidevall's defensive ranks following the long-term injury to Leah Williamson, which was sustained in April. Arsenal also confirmed the departure of Brazil international Rafaelle Souza at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, leaving the heart of the defence a key area in need of reinforcements this summer.
Ilestedt will also become Arsenal's first signing of the summer with only departures and contract extensions confirmed so far. The Gunners have also been heavily linked with free agent Alessia Russo and reports of a move have increased tenfold after the forward confirmed she is set to leave Manchester United upon the expiry of her contract at the end of the month.
