Arsenal complete second summer signing as squad build continues ahead of WSL season

Arsenal have completed their second signing of the summer with the capture of Benfica striker Cloe Lacasse.

The 29-year-old Canadian striker follows Amanda Ilestedt through the door and joins the club following a successful four year spell in Portugal.

“I’m super excited and enthusiastic to get started here. I feel ready mentally and physically to be able to contribute here and win titles and I feel that this club has everything it takes to compete for the highest honours. I want to go to the next level and score goals here for Arsenal" said the Canadian international on completing the transfer.

The forward had been a long term target of Jonas Eidevall and she was subject of interest in the January transfer window, however, with Lacasse confirming she would be departing Benfica just days ago, it became clear that the Gunners had captured their target.

And the Swedish head coach was delighted to finally get the deal over the line, saying: “I’m really pleased that we have signed Cloe to strengthen our forward line here at Arsenal. Cloe is a proven goalscorer and has shown her quality over a number of seasons in two European leagues as well as the Champions League. She will add a different dimension to our attacking game and I’m looking forward to working with her.”

The North London side are also expected to add England striking Alessia Russo on a free transfer in the coming days as the club aim to make a major push for honours both domestically and in Europe.