Arsenal did not want to sit still after winning the Women’s Champions League and vowed to strengthen their squad.
This is an eye-catching recruit that does just that with Smith widely considered one of the WSL’s most exciting youngsters, with a high ceiling of potential.
She brings pace and directness to Arsenal’s attacking line-up and has already proven herself in the WSL with a successful season at Liverpool.
There has been longstanding interest in Smith from Arsenal, who were beaten to her signature by Liverpool in 2024, and they have always been ready to spend should they need to.
The Reds have made a profit of almost £800,000 after breaking their club record last summer to sign Smith, and they will see this as good business despite losing one of the world’s brightest young talents.
Liverpool managing director Andy O’Boyle rejected several bids until £1m was presented. The £1m payment will be made in instalments to allow Liverpool to invest gradually.
The club hope to use this money to strengthen the squad in several areas this season.
There is also a sell-on clause, so Liverpool will benefit from any future sale.
Smith had several suitors but it is believed she was impressed by Arsenal’s recruitment presentation.
Having left home as a teenager to play professional football in Portugal, then leap up to the WSL, all by the age of 20, Arsenal think she has proven her character and ability to be part of an elite squad.
