Arsenal complete return of ex-Liverpool star Taylor Hinds on free transfer as Jamaica defender becomes second signing of summer window after Lionesses star Chloe Kelly

Hinds left the Reds when her contract expired just last week, after five seasons at the club. In that time, she helped the Merseysiders win promotion to the Women's Super League, became their third-highest appearance-maker in the WSL era and earned herself the role of vice-captain, regularly wearing the armband as Liverpool established themselves in the top flight again.

It has been reported for several weeks that Arsenal were targeting the out-of-contract Jamaica international and that move has now been completed, with Hinds announced as the Gunners' second signing of the window on Monday. Similar to Kelly, it's a switch that sees the 26-year-old return to the club she spent seven years with as a youngster. Hinds joined Arsenal at the age of 11 and made her senior debut in a League Cup fixture in 2017, aged 18. A few months later, though, she would join Everton on a permanent deal as she pursued more game time.

Speaking about her return to north London, Hinds said: "I’m so proud to have signed for Arsenal. I want to push, compete and be winning trophies, and this club encompasses all of that. You can see what direction Arsenal is going in and everyone at the club wants to win. This is a full-circle moment for me and I’m grateful to come back to a place I called home when I was younger. I can’t wait to get started and to step out on the pitch at Emirates Stadium in front of all our incredible supporters."

Head coach Renee Slegers added: "We’re delighted to welcome Taylor back to Arsenal. She’s a versatile player who has great experience from multiple seasons in the WSL with Liverpool, where she took on a leadership role. I’m excited to get started with Taylor on the training pitch and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Taylor back to the club."

Hinds primarily played as a left wing-back for Liverpool last season, but the former England youth international is capable of playing on either the right or the left, as a wing-back or an orthodox full-back. She also has experience in midfield.

Hinds will wear the No.24 shirt for Arsenal and provide necessary depth in those full-back areas, particular on the right where there was little competition for Emily Fox last season.