Arsenal Women have made their first summer signing, with experienced defender Amanda Ilestedt joining the Gunners following two years with PSG.

Ilestedt becomes Arsenal’s third Swedish player under coach and compatriot Jonas Eidevall, who in an interview earlier this month teased that “If the right opportunity arises, there could be more Swedes [joining Arsenal]”. The defender worked with Eidevall during his time in charge of Rosengard, winning two out of her five league titles there under his management.

Eidevall told the club’s website, “I enjoyed working with Amanda during our time in Sweden and am looking forward to coaching her here at Arsenal too.”

Following eight years with Rosengard, Ilestedt had spells in the Frauen Bundesliga with Turbine Potsdam and then Bayern Munich before joining PSG in 2021 after helping Bayern to the first league title.

The 2016 Olympic Silver medalist told arsenal.com that she is “Really excited and happy to be here.”

“My goal is to win titles and this is a great club with great players and fantastic facilities, so I believe this is the right place for me to achieve that. There is a real sense of momentum around this club and the support has been wonderful – I can’t wait to walk out onto the pitch in the Arsenal kit.”

The departure of Rafaelle Souza after eighteen months at Meadow Park has left a large hole in Arsenal’s defence, and with Leah Williamson likely to remain sidelined for the rest of the calendar year, this looks to be a shrewd piece of recruitment from Arsenal. 

Ilestedt is a player who, like Rafaelle, carries plenty of domestic and international experience, with 64 caps for Sweden, who she will represent at next month's World Cup. The Swede should fit the way Arsenal like to play out from the back and progress the ball forward as well as adding some extra physicality to the Gunners’ backline.

Jonas Eidevall agrees- “She brings extensive international experience and I believe she has a great mix of presence and technical ability, making her an ideal fit for our squad.”

The 30 year-old is predominantly a right footed centre back but should be able to play anywhere across Arsenal’s back three. Her height will also be a huge asset in both penalty areas.

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: “Amanda is an experienced international defender in her peak years, so we are very pleased to have brought her to Arsenal. She has a proven track record in domestic, European and international football and we believe she will strengthen our squad in a key area as we look ahead to the new season.”

This transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.