Arsenal have finally ended all the speculation and announced that they have signed Brazilian defender, Rafaella Souza.

Arsenal have picked up 30-year-old centreback, Rafaella Souza, on a free transfer after her contract with Chinese side, Changchun Zhuoyue, was allowed to run out.

https://twitter.com/ArsenalWFC/status/1483424040199106561

It is the first time Souza has signed for a European club, having previously turned out for Houston Dash, Sao Francisco EC and Palmerias, on loan from Changchun Zhuoyue,

Souza has 33 caps for Brazil, and five goals, winning the Copa America in 2018.

With Tim Stillman reporting that both Jen Beattie and Viki Schnaderbeck are expected to leave at the end of the season when their current deals expire, and Anna Patten already allowed to leave on loan, the left-footed defender will be a welcome addition, even if it is only a short-term solution.

Arsenal women have also signed Stina Blacksteni from BK Hacken and Laura Wienroither from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, while Leah Williamson has extended her contract.

She will wear the number 2.