According to reports, the Gunners have agreed to a fee on Thursday, July 10, to sign the Canadian international, who joined Liverpool only a year ago. Smith scored seven goals in 19 league matches last season and quickly became one of the Reds’ standout performers.
While at Liverpool, Smith ranked in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and tackles, 98th for interceptions, and 88th for blocks — stats that underline her all-action playing style. Prior to her move to Merseyside, she was prolific at Sporting Lisbon, netting 16 goals in 28 appearances.
The transfer fee is set to exceed £1 million, making Smith the first women’s footballer to break the £1m mark, according to The Guardian. This eclipses the previous record set in January when Chelsea paid $1.1m (£810,887) to sign U.S. defender Naomi Girma.
Liverpool had rejected several bids for Smith earlier in the summer, but Arsenal’s offer — believed to be five times the £200,000 the Reds paid last July — has reportedly been accepted. Smith still had several years remaining on her deal, making the size of Arsenal’s bid all the more significant.
Smith is known for her versatility, capable of playing on either wing, which could help address Arsenal's lack of depth in the forward line, particularly on the left where Caitlin Foord is the only natural option.
The Gunners, fresh off their 1-0 Champions League final victory over Barcelona in May — their second-ever European title — are now reinforcing their squad with serious intent. Smith would join new signings Chloe Kelly, who arrived from Manchester City on a free transfer, and Taylor Hinds, who joined from Liverpool following the expiration of her contract.
Arsenal’s aggressive recruitment comes as they aim to build on a historic season and push for more domestic and continental success.
At Arsenal's Champions League victory parade in front of a packed Emirates Stadium, captain Leah Williamson expressed her pride: “I’ve seen Arsenal’s success with my own eyes growing up. All I ever wanted was to be a part of it. This is one of those moments I’ll tell my grandkids about.”
Now, with Olivia Smith set to join the ranks, the future looks even brighter for the Gunners.
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