Rosa Kafaji is a Gunner! Arsenal win race to sign Sweden wonderkid after rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Juventus & PSG

Kafaji has signed what the club has described as 'a long-term contract', joining from BK Hacken. The Swedish side made her the most expensive domestic transfer in Swedish women’s football history at the end of 2021 but were always going to struggle to keep hold of her this year, with several big clubs interested in the 21-year-old ahead of her contract expiring in a few months. She will wear the No.16 shirt in north London.

That's because Kafaji has spent the past 12 months lighting up the biggest of stages, taking her form from the Swedish Damallsvenskan to the Champions League and even to Wembley. In Europe's premier competition, the young forward helped Hacken reach the quarter-finals, scoring goals against PSG and Real Madrid, and she's earned chances with the senior national team, too, providing a stunning assist for Fridolina Rolfo in a draw with England back in April. Now, she will take the next big step in her club career as she joins a top club in a top league.

“It feels amazing to join this club - I'm so happy to be here,” Kafaji said. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas [Eidevall, head coach] and Clare [Wheatley, direct of women's football] and it just feels right to be at Arsenal. I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies. I can't wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters.”

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world and I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years. She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.”

Kafaji, who ranked 11th in GOAL's NXGN list back in 2022, is Arsenal's third signing of the summer. She follows Mariona Caldentey, the former Barcelona star, and Daphne van Domselaar, the Netherlands international goalkeeper, through the doors in a transfer window that has seen Brazil youngster Gio Queiroz, Canada shot-stopper Sabrina D'Angelo and, most notably, star striker Vivianne Miedema leave.

The Gunners are currently in the U.S., preparing to face the Washington Spirit and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies. The team will hope those clashes get them ready for their Champions League qualifiers, with Rangers set to visit London on September 4. The 2024-25 Women's Super League season starts later that month.