Former NWSL Rookie of the Year Jenna Nighswonger has officially signed with Arsenal, as announced by the club on Thursday.
Nighswonger has been playing for Gotham FC since the start of the 2023 season, and now Arsenal has acquired the 24-year-old defender for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The talented player was part of the United States team that secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer. Nighswonger will be joining her fellow American, Emily Fox, at Arsenal, which currently sits fourth in the Women’s Super League standings under the management of coach Renee Slegers.
“I have always aspired to play in England, and joining such a prestigious football club feels like a dream realized,” stated Nighswonger.
“I am eager to win trophies with Arsenal and contribute to the team in any way I can. Being able to say I am an Arsenal player is an amazing feeling, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Nighswonger was a key player on Florida State’s championship-winning team in 2021, and she was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft. During her time with Gotham FC, she made 51 appearances, helping the team clinch the 2023 league championship title.
At the international level, Nighswonger has represented the United States in 18 matches, during which she scored two goals.
“Jenna has shown a remarkable progression in her career, and we are thrilled to have her at Arsenal,” said Slegers.
“Even at just 24, she exhibits tremendous maturity and presence on the field, and she understands what it takes to achieve victory in major competitions at both the domestic and international levels.”
Nighswonger’s move to Europe adds to the trend of NWSL players transitioning to the European scene, joining the ranks of national team defender Naomi Girma, who recently transferred to Chelsea from the San Diego Wave for a reported fee of $1.1 million. Additionally, Brazilian forward Kerolin, who was named the 2023 NWSL MVP, recently signed with Manchester City after three successful seasons with the North Carolina Courage.
