Arsenal sign rising Sweden star Rosa Kafaji following swoop for ex-Barcelona ace Mariona Caldentey

ROSA KAFAJI is hungry to compete for football’s biggest prizes with Arsenal after making a permanent switch to the north London giants.

The forward’s transfer from Swedish side BK Hacken was confirmed today with the Gunners boosting their attacking options following Vivianne Miedema’s departure in May.

Reuters

Rosa Kafaji’s Arsenal move follows the club signing former Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey last month[/caption]

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Kafaji has signed a long-term contract with Gunners after a two-year stint with Swedish top-flight side BK Hacken[/caption]

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Arsenal will begin their first tour of the United States this week with the team due to face Washington Spirit and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies on August 18 and 25.[/caption]

The club confirmed Kafaji has joined the WSL side on a long-term deal, the length of which has not been publicly disclosed.

Of her Gunners move, the nine-capped Sweden player, 21, said: “It feels amazing to join this club

“I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies.”

Kafaji’s transfer, after two years with Hacken, follows reports linking the versatile Sweden forward with an imminent Arsenal switch.

The club have been strengthening their attacking options ahead of their bid to win a WSL title for the first time since 2019.

This includes a swoop for Mariona Caldentey with the Spain forward sealing permanent Arsenal move in July after ten years playing for Barcelona.

During her decade-long spell with the Catalan giants she scored 114 goals in 302 games, winning 22 trophies including three Champions League titles.

Kafaji, 21, ended last season as Hacken’s top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, including four netted during last term’s Champions League contest.

The forward also impressed for Sweden when they were held to a 0-0 draw by England in a match that ended with the Lionesses sealing automatic qualification for next year’s Euros.

And she is seen one of the world’s most promising young forwards by Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.

The Arsenal Women’s head coach said: “I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years.

“She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world.”

The Gunners’ director of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Rosa is one of the outstanding young players in the game and we’re so happy to have brought her to Arsenal.

“She has already gained great experience, and has the ambition and desire to continue to develop and grow in our environment.”

Kafaji’s move to the seven-time league cup winners comes just over three months after ex-Arsenal ace Miedema played her last game for the side.

The Netherlands all-time top scorer, who netted 125 goals in 172 Arsenal appearances, left the club at the end of last term.

She went on to join their title foes Manchester City as a free agent in July.

The WSL rivals will go toe-to-toe on Sunday 22 September in their highly anticipated season-opening clash at the Emirates.

The match is likely to see Miedema face her old side for the first time since sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens last term.

Her old club are set to play 11 of their matches at the Emirates next season.

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Arsenal will host Manchester City at the Emirates on September 22 in their first WSL game of next season[/caption]

And Sweden ace Kafaji is relishing the prospect of playing alongside her new team-mates at the stadium next term.

She adds: “I can’t wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters. 

“I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it just feels right to be at Arsenal.”