Arsenal are closing in on the signing of NJ/NY Gotham FC left-back Jenna Nighswonger, as disclosed by journalist Meg Linehan for the Athletic.
The United States Women’s National Team player’s contract ends this year, and both clubs are working swiftly to get this deal over the line.
The transfer is set to cost the Gunners approx. $100,000 (£80,335). They were able to reduce Gotham’s initial £140k asking price for the 24-year-old star.
According to @itsmeglinehan , Jenna Nighswonger is set to join Arsenal for a €95k fee from NWSL club Gotham. pic.twitter.com/OHC7Neh0kH
— Soccerdonna (@soccerdonna) January 27, 2025
The talented defender joined the American outfit in 2023 and did enough to win the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title in her very first season. She went on to sign a three-year contract, but a call from the Gunners is simply too hard to resist.
What will Jenna Nighswonger bring to Arsenal?
The versatile player has scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 appearances in the NWSL this season. Nighswonger was part of the USWNT squad that clinched gold at the Paris Olympics last year. She is now inching close to joining her national teammate Emily Fox at Arsenal.
Her introduction will bring depth and quality to the left side of defence. Katie McCabe has been a regular in that position for years, and getting a versatile competitor is beneficial for the squad.
Manager Renee Slegers has chosen a different approach while deciding her starting XI. The Dutch boss decided to use Steph Catley in the centre of defence, meaning that there is space in the squad to welcome one more wide signing.
what do yall know about jenna nighswonger pic.twitter.com/2qi6fcINkh
— Gracie (@graciefishaa) January 28, 2025
Nighswonger’s introduction will also help Slegers to unlock McCabe’s versatile attacking skill sets and use her as a winger. This will ease the burden on Caitlin Foord and protect her from injuries.
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The Gotham star can also play in multiple positions, making her a valuable player to have on the team. She can operate as a left-back, centre-back, and even as a midfielder.
The fans will hope that the transfer is completed early so that she can replace McCabe, who is suspended for their next fixture against Manchester City.
