Arsenal have secured the services of France international defender Elisa de Almeida from Paris St-Germain, with the transfer expected to be finalised before Thursday's deadline. The deal is understood to be worth approximately £550,000.
De Almeida, 28, brings defensive versatility to the Gunners, capable of operating as a centre-back—a position where Arsenal require additional cover due to injury concerns at the start of the campaign. The French defender spent five years at PSG, accumulating over 100 appearances and gaining extensive experience in European competition through the Women's Champions League.
Her entire professional career has been spent in France. Before joining PSG, de Almeida represented Paris FC and Montpellier, building a reputation as a reliable and experienced defender. She has earned 52 caps for the French national team and featured in the squads for both the 2023 Women's World Cup and Euro 2025.
This signing represents part of Arsenal's broader summer recruitment drive as the club seeks to reclaim the Women's Super League title, which they last won in 2019. Following a disappointing 2024-25 season where early dropped points and squad fatigue hampered their challenge, manager Renee Slegers has been active in the transfer market. The club has already brought in England midfielder Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich, while also acquiring Spain full-back Ona Batlle.
De Almeida will join a squad that includes England captain Leah Williamson, who recently committed to a new two-year contract, strengthening the club's defensive options heading into the new campaign.
When does Arsenal's season begin?
Arsenal's Women's Super League campaign kicks off on Sunday, 6 September, with an away fixture at Brighton, scheduled for 12:00 BST. The new signings will have limited time to integrate before the opening match, making de Almeida's arrival particularly timely given the defensive injuries the squad is managing.
