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Arsenal Seal Long-Term Deal for Sweden Right-Back Smilla Holmberg

The 19-year-old arrives from Hammarby to bolster defensive depth under Renée Slegers.

Overview

  • Holmberg becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the January window after completing a move from Hammarby on a long-term contract.
  • The Sweden international has nine senior caps and featured three times at Euro 2025, scoring once for her country overall.
  • She made 96 senior appearances for Hammarby, scored 10 goals from defence, and won the 2023 league title plus Svenska Cupen trophies in 2023 and 2025.
  • Arsenal say she will wear the No. 31 shirt, while the transfer fee was not disclosed.
  • Head coach Renée Slegers praised her versatility and athleticism, with reporting indicating she is expected to understudy Emily Fox and offer flexibility across the back line.