Arsenal Women have signed Canadian striker Cloe Lacasse from Benfica on a permanent deal.
The 29-year-old joins the Gunners after a four-year spell at Benfica, where he scored 102 goals in 131 games to help the team win three Portuguese league titles, three Portuguese League Cups and two Super Cups from Portugal.
He was the league’s top scorer in the 2019/20 season and was named the league’s player of the year at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Lacasse becomes Jonas Eidevall’s second summer recruit after the arrival of experienced defender Amanda Ilestedt on Tuesday.
Lacasse, who was named in Canada’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, told Arsenal’s official website: “I’m super excited and enthusiastic to start here.
“I feel ready mentally and physically to be able to contribute here and win titles and I feel this club has everything it takes to compete for top honors. I want to go to the next level and score goals here to Arsenal.”
Eidevall said: “I’m really happy that we have signed Cloe to strengthen our attack line here at Arsenal.
“Cloe is a proven goalscorer and has shown her quality over several seasons in two European championships as well as the Champions League.
“She will add a different dimension to our offensive game and I look forward to working with her.”
Clare Wheatley, Head of Women’s Football, said: “Cloe is a player we have been monitoring for some time, so we are delighted to have completed this signing.
“Cloe’s track record is very impressive and we believe she has the qualities to fit right into our style of play here at Arsenal. I’m sure our supporters will be delighted to see Cloe in the red and white.”
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