Arsenal Women have strengthened their forward line with the permanent signing of Cloé Lacasse from Benfica. Lacasse arrives in what is reportedly the most expensive transfer in the history of women’s football in Portugal after being named the Liga BPI’s Player of the Year. 

Lacasse said “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.”

With Arsenal also closing in on the signing of Manchester United’s Alessia Russo, the Gunners’ attack looks to be in a very good place ahead of next season. Lacasse has scored 102 goals in just 131 games for Benfica, including 18 assists alongside her 35 goals last season. 

Since Benfica were promoted into the top flight in 2019, Lacasse has played a key role in their three title wins (they were also top of the league when the 2019/20 season was curtailed), also winning five more domestic trophies.

Arsenal Head coach Jonas Eidevall believes that Lacasse “will add a different dimension to our attacking game, and I’m looking forward to working with her.” 

“I’m really pleased that we have signed Cloé 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.”

Lacasse has been named in the Canada squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she will come up against new Arsenal teammates from Australia and the Republic of Ireland in the group stage.

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Cloe is a player we have been monitoring for some time so we’re delighted to have completed this signing. Cloe’s record is very impressive and we believe she has the right qualities to slot straight into our playing style here at Arsenal. I’m sure our supporters will be excited to see Cloe in the red and white.”

The 29 year old Canadian, who also has Icelandic citizenship after spending four years there before four more with Benfica, confirmed her departure from the Portuguese champions on Sunday with a statement saying that “my heart will forever be Red and White”. It certainly will now…