With the transfer window closing at 11pm tonight, Arsenal have completed some last-minute business by signing the versatile left-sided defender/winger Jenna Nighswonger from Gotham FC.
This move brings them closer to finalising a full 25-player squad, following the departure of most youngsters on loan, with the exception of Katie Reid.
Jenna Nighswonger, 24, quickly established herself as a key player for Gotham FC after being picked in the 2023 NWSL Draft. In just two seasons, she made 58 appearances, scoring six goals and providing five assists, while helping Gotham FC win the NWSL Championship and earning Rookie of the Year honours in 2023.
“We are so proud of Jenna’s trajectory as a player during her time with Gotham FC, and we’ve seen her develop into one of the top players in the league,” said Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter with Arsenal and are honoured to have played a part in her journey.”
Nighswonger, who will wear the number 22 shirt, told Arsenal.com, “I’m so happy to be here. I’ve always wanted to play in England and joining such a historic football club is a dream come true. I want to win trophies with this club and help the team in any way possible. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to call myself an Arsenal player and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “Jenna has had a great trajectory in the game and we’re delighted to bring her to Arsenal. Despite being only 24, she plays with great maturity and presence and knows what it takes to compete to win on the biggest stages at both domestic and national team level. Jenna is an important addition to our squad and I’m looking forward to getting started together.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted to bring Jenna to the club and strengthen our squad in a key area going into an important second half of the season and beyond. Jenna has already won trophies with both club and country but has clear potential for future growth and development, so we’re confident she will make a great contribution here at Arsenal. I’m sure our wonderful supporters will join me in welcoming Jenna and her family to the club.”
UEFA Women’s Champions League rules
For the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) squad, Arsenal have two slots available: one unrestricted, which will undoubtedly go to Nighswonger, and one that must be filled by an Association-Trained or Club-Trained player.
This means Amanda Ilestedt will not be registered for the UWCL unless another unrestricted player departs the club. Victoria Pelova is already registered, as she was included in the 25-player list submitted in September.
Of course, Arsenal could choose to de-register an unrestricted player to accommodate Ilestedt.
If no Association-Trained player is signed, the final spot will remain vacant, leaving Arsenal with 24 players on List A.
Additionally, the club can register an unlimited number of youngsters who meet the B-list criteria up to 24 hours before each match. Before their loan departures, Laila Harbert and Vivienne Lia were registered on the B-list.
Clubs are permitted to register only three new players for the knockout stages, so Arsenal face no issues in that regard.
Barclays Women’s Super League rules
For the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), the rules stipulate a maximum squad size of 25 players, with at least eight needing to be homegrown. Arsenal currently have 22 registered players following the departure of Kathrine Kühl and several youngsters on loan.
The club has seven homegrown players, meaning they must sign one more to comply with the FA Homegrown Player Rule (Rule 6.9.14), which requires each club to maintain a minimum number of homegrown players throughout the season.
With Nighswonger, Pelova, and Ilestedt still needing registration for the second half of the WSL season, and only two spots available for non-homegrown players, Arsenal face a dilemma. Registering all three would result in a 26-player squad, breaching WSL regulations.
As per Appendix 3 of the WSL rules (Rule 6.2.13), such a breach carries a fine of £100.
Over the past five years, Arsenal have occasionally breached the homegrown rule without facing point deductions or squad reductions. This precedent suggests the club may proceed with registering all three players if no homegrown signing is made before the window closes.
Adobe Women’s FA Cup rules
The Adobe Women’s FA Cup operates under different regulations, allowing clubs to field any registered player. A “registered player” is defined as either a contracted player registered with The Football Association or a non-contracted player registered with their club in a league they compete in during the current season.
This means any first-team or U21 player registered with Arsenal is eligible to play. The only exception applies to postponed matches, where only players eligible at the time of the original fixture date can participate, unless otherwise permitted under Competition Rule 15(f).
Conclusion
Arsenal require a robust squad to compete across all four competitions—the WSL, UWCL, FA Cup, and Continental Cup. It is expected that nearly all players will be registered and available for selection, ensuring the team remains competitive on all fronts.