Arsenal have re-signed Lotte Wubben-Moy after the defender returned home from the States due to the current pandemic.
Wubben-Moy made the decision to leave America last month, making her announcement on Twitter and we had written previously about why the defender would be a great addition for Joe Montemurro’s squad.
Dearest Chapel Hill you will always have a place in my heart. @UNCwomenssoccer I am forever a Tar Heel. I’m sorry it’s ending so soon. pic.twitter.com/gQkGvBSOZ4
— Lots (@lottewubbenmoy) August 28, 2020
Arsenal have already made the announcement:
It’s official… @LotteWubbenMoy is a Gunner – again! ✍️
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 11, 2020
Wubben-Moy is a tall, strong centre-back who can pass the ball well. She is also at ease in the defensive midfield position, displaying versatility Montemurro always look for in a player.
Obviously, Malin Gut has been recruited to perform in both positions, but the injury to Jennifer Beattie in the Champions League leaves the team with only 18 senior players (16 outfielders and two goalkeepers).
Signing another senior centre-back has added a lot of depth and quality to our defensive set-up.
Pedro Martinez Losa gave Wubben-Moy her debut as a 16-year-old. She was then a key player during the 2017 Spring Series when Arsenal were unbeaten during the eight-game season, before moving to study in the States.
Arsenal wrote, “Lotte joined our Centre of Excellence in 2013 before making her senior debut two years later, as a substitute during a 2-1 win over Notts County. The centre back, who can also play in holding midfield, went on to make 13 first-team appearances for us before moving to the University of North Carolina in 2017 to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels.”
“I’m delighted to say that I’m officially a Gooner,” the 21-year-old said. “To see that this club can play at the highest levels, achieving the things that they do while also playing such exquisite football, that is definitely something that’s drawn me to the club. I just can’t wait to be a part of it.”
“I’m very happy we’ve got this one over the line,” added head coach Joe Montemurro. “Lotte is obviously a player that when I first came in was about to leave for the US. All credit to the club for keeping tabs on her development whilst she was away, and then obviously securing a player that is in and around the England camp. She will be a top player.”
“I made my debut for Arsenal Women when I was 16 and obviously I left about the age of 18,” she added. “Within these past three years, I’ve really been able to find myself.
“I know that sounds cliche when you go to college but it’s something that not many youth professional footballers get to do because they get thrown straight in there. I really think what I’ve been able to do while I’ve been out in the States, not just on the field but off the field, has been unique to me and unique to the girls that actually get the opportunity to do it.
“To have done it at an institution as amazing as UNC – Anson Dorrance is a legend, so shout out to those guys because I had an amazing time and they definitely contributed to the player I am today, not just on the field but off the field as well.
“Thinking back, I’m a woman now and I know I’m ready to take this next step. College is a different game but it’s definitely nurtured me and I’m just excited to get this next step going.”