Olivia Smith: Arsenal to raid rivals as they close in on world-record transfer | OneFootball

Champions League holders out to make a statement with stunning signing

Record breaker: Olivia Smith

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Arsenal are set to make history by completing the first seven-figure transfer in the history of women’s football.

The club have already added to their squad by signing England winger Chloe Kelly to a three-year contract after her loan spell from Manchester City during the second half of last season ended.

Arsenal have also signed defender Taylor Hinds, who was a free agent after her contract with Liverpool expired at the end of last month.

Smith’s arrival underlines Arsenal’s desire to bolster their squad and not standstill after winning the Women’s Champions League.

The club want to evolve the squad this summer under head coach Renee Slegers, who is about to enter her first full season in charge, while they are also minded to bring down the average age of the group.

Smith adds immediate quality now, while at just 20 years old, she is also a star of the future, too.

The Canada forward scored seven times for Liverpool in the Women’s Super League last season, which was her debut campaign at that level.

Smith was nominated for Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year award, with the winner due to be announced next month.

The 20-year-old, who can play through the middle or out wide, was signed by Liverpool for a reported fee of £200,000 in July last year from the Portuguese club Sporting.

Liverpool were reluctant to let her go after just one year, but could not turn down Arsenal’s huge bid.