Overview

• Arsenal paid a confirmed £1 million fee to sign 20-year-old Canada forward Olivia Smith, the first seven-figure transfer in women’s football
• Smith has committed to a four-year deal with the European champions, becoming the most expensive female footballer in history
• Liverpool held out for Arsenal’s valuation, rejecting lower bids from Chelsea, OL Lyon and other interested clubs before agreeing the move
• Smith finished the 2024-25 season as Liverpool’s top scorer with nine goals in 25 appearances and was named their Player of the Season
• The transfer underscores Arsenal’s strategy to inject youth and boost squad depth as they seek to defend their UEFA Women’s Champions League crown