Arsenal in advanced talks to sign 25yo Fox | OneFootball

Arsenal are could enhance their squad with the potential signing of USWNT star Emily Fox from North Carolina Courage as advanced talks are reported.

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Emily Fox, the United States women’s national team full-back, on a free transfer from North Carolina Courage.

According to Tim Stillman, the move could happen in the upcoming January transfer window.

Fox, who has the versatility to play both as a right and left-back, has been identified as a key target for the Gunners, helped by her status as a restricted free agent.

In the context of women’s football in the USA, a “restricted free agent” refers to a player whose contract has expired with their current team, but they are not completely free to sign with any other team.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

The restrictions in place often include the original team having the right to match any offer the player receives from another team, or receiving compensation if the player signs with a different team.

This status is typically part of collective bargaining agreements in leagues and is designed to balance player freedom with team rights.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has expressed the need for reinforcements in January, hinting at more than one signing.

The club has also shown interest in Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps, further indicating their ambition to strengthen the squad with the best talent available.

On Twitter, Stillman said, “Ideally was hoping to say this after a win (!) but I understand that USWNT right-back Emily Fox to Arsenal in January is at an advanced stage.”

He added, “Further to this, understand a right-back is considered a priority for Arsenal Women in January. USWNT right-back Emily Fox a potential target. Player is currently a restricted free agent after spending this year at North Carolina Courage.”

About Earps, he said, “Jonas Eidevall tells me (again) ‘We are active in the market and there might be business to be done.’ Asked him about Mary Earps but (predictably) he says ‘We don’t comment on individuals.’”

“On Friday, Arsenal boss Eidevall told reporters that the Gunners will be active in the January transfer market, both in terms of incomings and outgoings,” reported Alex Brotherton.

Earps’ situation at United has been under scrutiny since last season, with Arsenal emerging as a probable destination.

Despite a world-record bid for the 30-year-old being rejected last summer, Earps’ contract at United, initially set to expire at the end of last season, was extended for another year after talks for a new deal did not materialise.

United’s manager, Marc Skinner, has stated he wants Earps to stay. Then again, he also said that about Alessia Russo.

“Of course, I want Mary to stay,” Skinner said.

“I have been very clear on that the whole way throughout. That’s the business side of the game and I deal with the football side.

“The club are working through with Mary on what the deal looks like.

“I sit here hopeful. I play Mary because of how good she is for us. I want Mary to stay at this club.

“I think the [talks] are exactly where it was right now but they are having conversations around it. It’s with the club to continue with that. I’ve been clear – I can’t be any more clear – that I want Mary to stay at this club.

“She’s a huge part of what I want to do and build here but we’ll continue to have those conversations.”

The addition of a player of Fox’s calibre, alongside the potential signing of Earps, would undoubtedly strengthen the team’s defensive and goalkeeping options, as they continue to chase the Women’s Super League title.