ROSA KAFAJI is eager to compete for football’s biggest prizes with Arsenal after making a permanent move to the north London giants.
The striker’s move from Swedish side BK Hacken was confirmed today, with the Gunners increasing their attacking options following the departure of Vivianne Miedema in May.
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The club confirmed that Kafaji has joined the WSL on a long-term deal, the duration of which has not been publicly disclosed.
On her move to the Gunners, the 21-year-old nine-cap Swedish player said: “It’s incredible to join this club
“I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place to do that and compete for the biggest trophies.”
Kafaji’s move, after two years at Hacken, follows reports linking the versatile Swedish striker with an imminent move to Arsenal.
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The club have been strengthening their attacking options as they look to win the WSL title for the first time since 2019.
This includes a swoop on Mariona Caldentey, with the Spanish striker sealing a permanent move to Arsenal in July after ten years playing for Barcelona.
During her decade-long spell, she scored 114 goals in 302 games for the Catalan giants, winning 22 trophies, including three Champions League titles.
Kafaji, 21, finished last season as Hacken’s top scorer, with 15 goals in all competitions, including four in last season’s Champions League.
The striker also impressed for Sweden when they drew 0-0 with England, in a match that ended with the Lionesses sealing it.
And she is seen as one of the most promising young strikers in the world by Gunners manager Jonas Eidevall.
The Arsenal Women head coach said: “I have been a great admirer of your game for several years.
“She plays with a fearlessness beyond her years and I know she has the hunger and mentality to fulfill her potential here at Arsenal.
“I am very happy that we brought Rosa to the club. She is one of the most exciting young talents in the world.”
The Gunners’ director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, added: “Rosa is one of the sport’s outstanding young players and we are delighted to have brought her to Arsenal.
“She has already gained great experience and has the ambition and desire to continue to develop and grow in our environment.”
Kafaji’s move to the seven-time League Cup-winning side comes just over three months after former Arsenal ace Miedema played his last game for the team.
The Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, who scored 125 goals in 172 games for Arsenal, left the club at the end of last season.
She joined title challengers Manchester City as a free agent in July.
The WSL rivals will face off on Sunday 22 September in the highly anticipated season-opening clash at the Emirates.
The match will likely see Miedema face his former side for the first time since sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens last season.
His former club is expected to play 11 games at the Emirates next season.
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And Swedish ace Kafaji is excited about the prospect of playing alongside her new teammates at the stadium next season.
She adds: “I can’t wait to get started and go out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our fans.
“I have a really good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it feels right to be at Arsenal.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
