Arsenal Transfers: Popular midfielder linked with Spanish giants as WSL giants close in on American

Arsenal Women could be set to lose key midfielder Lia Wälti after the Swiss international was strongly linked with a shock move to Real Madrid over the weekend.

Despite signing a new deal with the Gunners last season, the 30-year-old is "keen to try something new" according to reports, which has alerted the Spanish giants who would been keen to secure the midfielder this month if possible.

The 30-year-old midfielder has become a real fan's favourite since joining in 2018 and has made close to 100 league appearances during her time with the North London outfit, winning WSL title in 2019 and the Continental Cup last season.

If Wälti was to depart, she would become the second Switzerland international to leave North London in January following the confirmed transfer of Noelle Maritz move to fellow WSL team Aston Villa on Saturday.

As per Ata football though, the Swiss midfielder's move may not happen until the summer with Real reluctant to spend major cash this window, meaning they may not make a formal approach until the end of the current season.

Two more Arsenal players are "likely" to head out on loan during the January window too, with reports claiming youngster Gio Queiroz and Katherine Kuhl, both 20, could leave the club on loan deals as they look for valuable first team experience.

In more positive news for Arsenal fans, Head coach Jonas Eidevall is believed to be closing in on American international defender Emily Fox. A former team mate of both Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy during their time in the American college system, Fox has earned 39 caps for the US Women's national side and would arrive having played regularly for both North Carolina Courage and Racing Louisville in the NWSL.

Fox, who is capable of playing in either full back role, has established herself in the USA starting XI over the last year and featured in every game during their World Cup campaign last summer.