Arsenal: Van Persie and Bergkamp feature in brilliant women’s transfer reveal | OneFootball

‘Arsenal have announced their first signing of the Women’s Super League‘s January transfer window.

Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova has joined the Gunners from Ajax on a permanent deal, although her contract duration has not yet been revealed.

The 23-year-old has been brought in as a replacement for Arsenal legend Jordan Nobbs, who departed the club for Aston Villa earlier this week.

Now, football players aren’t just announced via a club statement these days. Transfer reveal videos have become all the rage, and Pelova was of course given the special treatment.

Why did Robin Van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp feature in Victoria Pelova’s transfer reveal?

Pelova revealed that she was “delighted” to sign for Arsenal, adding: “I’ve always admired this club and dreamt of following in the footsteps of some of the great Dutch players who have worn the shirt.”

“I can’t wait to get going and start contributing to the team.”

There have indeed been a number of Dutch players who have starred for Arsenal over the years, and Pelova’s transfer reveal video featured two of the most high-profile – Dennis Bergkamp and Robin Van Persie.

“Arsenal and the Netherlands,” Pelova narrates. “There’s always been a connection between our values and the way we play the game.

“It’s a winning mentality, but it’s about doing things the right way, in our way, to make our supporters smile.

“Of course, I grew up knowing about Robin Van Persie and the great Dennis Bergkamp.

“But then there was Anouk Hoogendijk, Danielle Van de Donk, and Dominique Janssen. And, of course, the GOAT. Vivianne Miedema.

Pelova then recites Arsenal’s motto, Victoria Concordia Crescit, into English – victory through harmony.

“Maybe it was meant to be,” Pelova continues. “My name is Victoria and I’m proud to be a Gunner”.

Who is Victoria Pelova?

Pelova began her professional career at ADO Den Haag in 2016, before moving to Ajax in 2019.

She made 66 appearances for Ajax over three and a half seasons, hitting the back of the net 11 times.

Despite her young age, Pelova has already played 31 times for the Netherlands, featuring at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and Euro 2022.

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall described the midfielder as “one of the most exciting young players in the game”, who will “bring added dynamism and energy to our midfield”.

“I’m looking forward to working with Victoria and I think our supporters are going to love watching her in an Arsenal shirt,” he said.