In a surprising report from The Athletic, it appears that Arsenal’s Brazilian centre-back may be headed for the US-League at the end of the season, with Orlando the probable destination.

  • Arsenal’s Brazilian centre-back Rafaelle is reportedly making a surprising move to the US-League, with Orlando being the likely destination.
  • This sudden departure will leave Arsenal with three fit centre-backs, prompting the need for new signings in the summer transfer window.
  • As the transfer window opens from 26 June to 14 September, Arsenal is anticipated to sign four or five new players to bolster the squad.

This news is quite unexpected, as there’s been no indication of unrest from the player during her 18-month tenure at Arsenal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Rafaelle Souza of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ewa Pajor of VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium on May 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Rafaelle Souza of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ewa Pajor of VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium on May 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The Brazilian has played a pivotal role in the heart of the Arsenal defence. With her departure, the club will be left with three fit centre-backs at the end of next season: Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jennifer Beattie, who’s contract is due to end this month, and soon-to-be 19-year-old Teyah Goldie.

Leah Williamson, who is recovering from her ACL injury, is nowhere near returning to the pitch.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Leah Williamson of Arsenal, wearing a knee support for their ACL injury, acknowledges the fans as they walk with players of Arsenal after their side's defeat to VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium on May 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Leah Williamson of Arsenal, wearing a knee support for their ACL injury, acknowledges the fans as they walk with players of Arsenal after their side’s defeat to VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium on May 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

This scenario suggests that Arsenal should have at least a couple of centre-backs lined up for the summer transfer window.

The hope is that this departure has been anticipated and a top player identified for signing. There’s also a need to sign a competent, left-footed centre-back to balance the team.

An alternative strategy could be converting Steph Catley to centre-back and recruiting a tactically-strong left-back, akin to how Oleksandr Zinchenko operates in the men’s team.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Rafaelle Souza of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after the teams third goal, an own goal scored by Niamh Charles of Chelsea during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on March 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Rafaelle Souza of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after the teams third goal, an own goal scored by Niamh Charles of Chelsea during the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on March 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

If Jennifer Beattie’s contract gets extended, given her recent performances, she could be an invaluable asset, particularly when using a back three formation or in situations requiring strong aerial prowess.

There’s also a question about Teyah Goldie’s development. Following her lengthy layoff due to her ACL injury, she needs game time to further her development.

However, being the third or fourth choice centre-back would mean limited playing time, unless she is also being groomed as an understudy to Lia Wälti in the number 6 role.

BUCARAMANGA, COLOMBIA - JULY 30: Rafaelle of Brazil lifts the trophy with teammates after winning the final match between Brazil and Colombia as part of Women's CONMEBOL Copa America 2022 at Estadio Alfonso Lopez on July 30, 2022 in Bucaramanga, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
BUCARAMANGA, COLOMBIA – JULY 30: Rafaelle of Brazil lifts the trophy with teammates after winning the final match between Brazil and Colombia as part of Women’s CONMEBOL Copa America 2022 at Estadio Alfonso Lopez on July 30, 2022 in Bucaramanga, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)

As is always the case, the number of top-quality players around the globe is small, and it won’t be an easy task to poach a world-class defender from another team.

The transfer window will be open from 26 June to 14 September in England, so there’s ample time to sign players.

Hopefully, Arsenal will secure at least four or five new signings to regenerate the squad and add depth, while waiting for the long-term injured players to return to full fitness.