Arsenal complete signing of USWNT right-back Emily Fox | OneFootball

Arsenal have completed the signing of United States right-back Emily Fox, who started all four games at last summer's Women's World Cup.

With Noelle Maritz's departure to Aston Villa confirmed earlier this week and Laura Wienroither still sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained in May, Arsenal have brought the 25-year-old in to bolster their defensive reinforcements.

Katie McCabe has been shifted to the right flank this season, prompting Maritz's departure, but the adjustment by Jonas Eidevall has left the Gunners short of options at left-back.

"It feels amazing to have signed here," Fox told club media of her arrival. "When I think of Arsenal, I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family. I think of pushing the standards of football and especially in the women's game.

"It's a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent this club and I’m excited to get started and play in front of our supporters."

Fox arrives at Arsenal from North Carolina Courage, who she played 19 games for after arriving in January 2023. Before joining NC Courage, Fox spent her initial two professional seasons with Racing Louisville, while her college days at North Carolina Tar Heels saw her play alongside new Arsenal teammates Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Head coach Jonas Eidevall said of Fox's signing: "We're delighted to bring Emily to Arsenal and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming her to our club. Emily has shown impressive development over recent seasons and her strengths in both phases will make her an important addition to our squad.

"At international level, the experience she's built up gives her an excellent foundation to make the transition to English football."

Fox has played 39 times for the United States Women's National Team, winning two SheBelieves Cups and the CONCACAF Women's Championship in 2022, and she was also a prominent figure at last summer's Women's World Cup.

Arsenal currently sit third in the WSL table, with recent results including a comprehensive win over Chelsea but defeat to Tottenham in the north London derby, and are firmly in title contention as the season prepares to restart on Saturday 20 January.