Arsenal sign prolific Hoffenheim forward Selina Cerci; Kaneryd leaves Chelsea for Lyonnes

Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers, has hailed Selina Cerci as a ‘great addition’ after the Germany forward joined the club from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim

The Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers, has hailed Selina Cerci as a “great addition” after the Germany forward joined the club from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

Cerci scored 34 goals in 47 appearances for Hoffenheim across two seasons. She becomes the second player Arsenal have signed from the Frauen Bundesliga this summer, following their capture of Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich, also on a free transfer.

“I’m so pleased that Selina will be joining our group,” said Slegers. “She has impressive goalscoring numbers and brings good presence, physicality and forward intent. Combined with her strong work ethic, we feel these qualities make her a great addition to our squad.”

Cerci, who has played for other German clubs, including Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich’s second team, said: “I’m very excited to be here – it’s a big honour to play for Arsenal and I can’t wait to start. This is an opportunity to compete against and play alongside top players in one of the best leagues in the world.”

The 26-year-old has scored five times in 20 games for her country. She made her senior international debut in February 2022 and was part of Germany’s squad at last year’s European Championship. “She’s an instinctive goalscorer with a proven record in the Bundesliga, and we believe she’s in a strong position to transition to English football and Arsenal,” said Arsenal’s director of football, Clare Wheatley. “We welcome her and her family to the club.”

Elsewhere, OL Lyonnes have confirmed the signing of the Sweden winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd from Chelsea.

The Guardian revealed in June that the French side were on the verge of completing a deal for Kaneryd, who helped Chelsea win seven major trophies, including three Women’s Super League titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups.

The 29-year-old played 139 times for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals and providing 26 assists. She has signed a three-year contract with last season’s Women’s Champions League finalists.