Arsenal are set to sign France international Elisa De Almeida from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around €600,000 as Renée Slegers moves to strengthen her defensive options before the WSL transfer deadline.
The Athletic reports that Arsenal are closing in on the centre-back, with a fee in the region of €600,000 agreed for the 28-year-old.
The move was first reported by Emma Sanders, while The Guardian has also reported that Arsenal are close to finalising De Almeida’s transfer.
Read Arsenal initially reported on Tuesday that Arsenal had agreed terms with De Almeida over a move from PSG. The deal has now progressed significantly towards completion.
Arsenal move for Elisa De Almeida
De Almeida gives Slegers an experienced option at the heart of defence ahead of a season in which Arsenal will compete domestically and in the Champions League.
The Athletic reports Arsenal currently have only three fully-fit senior centre-backs, increasing the need for another defensive option.
Katie Reid is continuing her recovery from an ACL injury and is not expected to return before November.
That absence could leave Arsenal exposed during the opening months of the campaign, particularly once European fixtures begin.
De Almeida therefore looks less like an opportunistic deadline-day addition and more like an important piece of squad planning.
Our Arsenal Women guide will track Slegers’ full squad throughout the season.
Why Arsenal need another centre-back
Arsenal have already made major changes to their squad this summer.
The club have rebuilt significant areas following a series of departures and arrivals, something we examined in our feature on why Arsenal Women’s summer overhaul has increased the pressure to challenge for the WSL title.
Defence remained one area where another addition made sense.
Reid’s injury means Slegers cannot count on her during the opening weeks, while Arsenal face a heavy schedule once the Champions League league phase begins.
De Almeida can provide immediate senior experience rather than forcing Arsenal to rely heavily on a small group of fit defenders.
The France international has spent the past several seasons with PSG and has extensive experience at domestic and European level.
De Almeida adds major international experience
De Almeida has established herself as a regular member of the France national team and has played at major international tournaments.
That experience should make the adaptation period considerably easier than it would be for a younger developmental signing.
At 28, Arsenal would be acquiring a defender expected to contribute immediately.
That matters with the WSL season beginning this weekend.
Arsenal open their campaign away to Brighton, with supporters able to find all the television and streaming information in our Brighton Women vs Arsenal Women viewing guide.
Arsenal close to completing €600k transfer
The latest reporting puts the fee at approximately €600,000, which broadly aligns with earlier suggestions that the transfer would cost Arsenal a little over £500,000.
The Guardian reports that Arsenal are expected to complete the deal before the Women’s Super League transfer deadline.
There is still an important distinction to make.
Arsenal have not yet officially announced De Almeida as a new signing.
Until that happens, the deal should be described as set to be completed, rather than done.
Once Arsenal confirm the transfer, this same article should be updated immediately with her contract length, squad number if announced and quotes from De Almeida or Slegers.
De Almeida could be crucial during Reid absence
The Reid detail makes this move particularly significant.
Arsenal know they may have to navigate approximately the first two months of the season without the young defender.
Adding another established centre-back reduces the risk of one additional injury suddenly leaving Slegers short of options.
It also allows Reid to complete her ACL rehabilitation without Arsenal needing to accelerate her return because of first-team numbers.
With WSL and European ambitions high, that depth could prove important very quickly.
Arsenal’s Women news hub will carry the latest squad and team updates throughout the season.
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