Arsenal have completed the signing of 21 year-old midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross from Hammarby, pipping WSL rivals including Chelsea and Manchester United to the Australia star’s signature.

Cooney-Cross’ Hammarby contract expires at the end of December, but Arsenal were reportedly willing to pay a large fee starting at $140,000 that could rise to £250,000 to bring the talented central midfielder to North London.

“I’m so excited to join this club,” said Cooney-Cross, who will wear the number 32 shirt. “Arsenal just felt right as soon as I heard about the interest. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium in front of a big crowd for our first game there this season. I can’t wait to get started and help us achieve something big together.”

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall added “Kyra is one of the best young players in world football and we are delighted to have brought her to Arsenal. Her passing ability and explosiveness allow her to affect games in a way you rarely see from such a young player, so we firmly believe she will be an excellent addition to our midfield, now and in the future.”

The midfielder has already played 25 games for her country at the age of 21, including starting every game in Australia's run to the World Cup semi finals on home soil this summer. She formed a devastating partnership with Katrina Gorry as the world’s attention was drawn to one of the finest young talents in the women’s game.

The midfielder began her senior career with Melbourne Victory, where she made her debut at the age of 15, before spending a season with Western Sydney Wanderers and then returning to Victory in 2020. Cooney-Cross scored her trademark Olimpico corner in the last minute of extra time to win the 2021 W-League Grand Final for Melbourne Victory.

A move to Swedish outfit Hammarby followed last year, where Cooney-Cross signed a two year deal. She played all ninety minutes as Hammarby beat Djurgarden 1-0 on Sunday in her first game since Australia lost the Third Place Play-Off in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Hammarby currently sit in second place in the Swedish Damallsvenskan, but will not play Champions League football this year after finishing 5th in the table in 2022.

Arsenal bolstered their midfield ranks in January with the additions of Kathrine Kuhl and Victoria Pelova, but Cooney-Cross can be utilised in a six or eight role in the middle of the park, providing both cover and competition for Lia Walti and allowing the likes of Frida Maanum to play further forward.

Kyra Cooney-Cross becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing, joining Amanda Ilestedt, Cloe Lacasse, Alessia Russo and Laia Codina in North London. Arsenal made two bids for England goalkeeper Mary Earps, but Manchester United will keep hold of Earps at least until January.