Page 14 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No18 2021-22

Arsenal make triple swoop

Arsenal have strengthened their squad and their Barclays FA WSL title challenge by making three
signings in the January transfer window.
Swedish international forward Stina Blackstenius, Austrian defender Laura Wienrother and
Brazilian centre back Rafaelle Souza have all joined the club.
25-year-old Blackstenius – who will wear the No. 25 shirt at Arsenal – joins following the
expiry of her previous deal with Swedish side BK Hacken. Stina won two Swedish league titles and
three Swedish Cups across stints with Hacken and Linkopings FC in her home country, finishing the
2021 season as the top scorer in the domestic league.
At international level, Stina helped Sweden to successive silver medals at the 2016 and 2020
Olympic Games, and was part of the side that finished third at the 2019 World Cup.
“It feels amazing to be here, I’m so happy to join such a big and great club like Arsenal,” she
told www.arsenal.com. “I got a really good first impression about this club, they play really good
football and I wanted to be a part of that. I feel like I can become a better player in this environment.”
“We’re delighted to have signed Stina,” said head coach Jonas Eidevall. “She is a world class
talent who will add even more quality to our team. Her game is well-suited to the style we are
implementing here at Arsenal, and I’m confident that she will take her game to an even higher level
here with us.”
“Everyone at the club is thrilled to announce the signing of Stina,” said head of women’s
football Clare Wheatley. “She is one of the best forwards in the world and a significant number of
clubs were interested in securing her signature this summer, so we are delighted to have made her an
Arsenal player. We are all looking forward to seeing her in action soon.”
Wienroither, who is 23 years old, joins from Frauen-Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
and will wear the No.26 shirt.
Born in January 1999, Laura played for Union Kleinmünchen, SV Neulengbach and SKN St.
Polten in her native Austria before making the switch to Germany and Hoffenheim in 2018.
A debut appearance for the Austrian national team followed in 2019, with Laura now having
won 12 international caps.
“It’s an incredible feeling for me.” Laura told www.arsenal.com. “I’m really happy to be here
and to have the opportunity and I’m looking forward to being with the team. When I first heard about
Arsenal’s interest I couldn’t believe it, and I still can’t believe it!”
“It’s excellent news that we have signed Laura,” said Jonas Eidevall. “We’ve been very
impressed by her defensive performances this season both at club and international level and we
believe that she can make a big contribution here at Arsenal.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Laura to the club,” added Clare Wheatley. “She is a player that
we have been tracking for some time and it’s fantastic that she is now here with us. Despite being only
23, Laura already has significant experience in both the Frauen-Bundesliga and at international
level, so we have no doubt that she will make an important contribution to the team.”
30-year-old defender Souza has signed following the expiry of her previous deal at Chinese
club Changchun Zhuoyue.
Rafaelle – who has now become the first Brazilian player to sign for Arsenal Women – has
previously played for Houston Dash, Sao Francisco BA, America Mineiro and Palmeiras, in addition
to her spell in China.
Rafaelle has also made 33 appearances for the Brazil national team to date, scoring five goals.
She was part of the Brazil squads that won the 2018 edition of the Copa America and finished second
at the 2021 SheBelieves Cup.
“I’m so excited,” said Rafaelle to www.arsenal.com. “I feel great to be here and to be playing
in such a strong and competitive league. I feel like when I decided to come here, I was looking for a
club where I can show my football and show my skills and be in the centre of the world. That’s my
challenge, to show my football to the world.”
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome Rafaelle to the club,” said Jonas Eidevall. “Her
international experience, technical ability and leadership qualities make her an important signing for
us – I’m looking forward to working with her and I’m sure the Arsenal fans are excited to see her in
action.”
Issue no. 18 - 20 January 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk