'One of the hardest decisions ever' - Arsenal favourite Lia Walti ends seven-year stay with Gunners to join Juventus on WSL deadline day

Walti joined the Gunners back in 2018, after five seasons in Germany with Turbine Potsdam, and enjoyed immediate success as part of the team that ended Arsenal's seven-year wait for another Women's Super League title. From there, she grew into a key player for the north London club, but those minutes became much more reduced last term, making her decision to leave less surprising. She departs on a real high, too, after helping the Gunners upset Barcelona in the Champions League final back in May.

Arsenal's loss is Juventus' gain, with the Italian champions signing an experienced and supremely talented midfielder to bolster that area of the pitch. Walti, who pens a deal until 2027, will bring excellent leadership and real quality on the ball to a team that is still growing in the wider women's game. Juve are one of the best teams in Italy, but are still taking steps forward in the Champions League.

"This is without any doubt one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to take in my life, to leave this football club," Walti said upon the announcement of her move. "Arsenal is so much more than just a football club for me, it became my home, my second family, my safe place, a place I always wanted to return to and all I have in my heart right now are just beautiful memories I will always keep with me. I think the most important thing for me is as well the friendships and the relationships I've created with the people because that means so much more than just playing football.

"It's important that you leave your heart on the pitch and that's what I tried every time I stepped on that pitch with that shirt. I think it's funny when you create your home, your new family and your safe place, then you can't obviously picture yourself somewhere else and I think that was really hard right now. Thank you to the fans, you made us feel unstoppable and thanks to everybody who supported me on that journey and thanks for everything, Arsenal."

Walti's departure leaves Arsenal a little light in midfield. The Gunners have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt Geraldine Reuteler in recent days, who was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2025. However, the Switzerland international, who was named vice-captain at the club earlier this week, appears to be staying put.

"Gery has been with Eintracht Frankfurt for a very long time. We are delighted that she is and will remain part of our team," Katharina Kiel, Frankfurt's technical director, said on Tuesday. "She has demonstrated her importance not only in the past through the European Championship, but also long before that. We are looking forward to the new season with her."

The WSL transfer window closes at 11pm BST on Thursday, leaving Arsenal with very little time to replace Walti ahead of the new season, which begins on Friday night. The Gunners' opening fixture is on Saturday, when they take on big-spending London City Lionesses, who have just been promoted to the top-flight for the first time.