The 33-year-old Switzerland captain returns to England after a short spell in Italy, bringing major WSL and European experience to Brighton.
Lia Walti has returned to the Women’s Super League after one season with Juventus, with the former Arsenal midfielder signing for Brighton for an undisclosed fee.
The 33-year-old left Arsenal in September 2025, ending a hugely influential seven-year spell in north London.
Arsenal sold Walti to Juventus for a reported fee of around €100,000, rising with add-ons, with the Switzerland captain signing a two-year deal through to 2027.
Walti made 177 appearances for Arsenal (according to Brighton, 183 according to the BBC and Wikipedia), winning the WSL, League Cup and Champions League, and was a firm favourite with supporters during a period in which her composure and intelligence made her central to the team’s midfield.
Walti is believed to have wanted a return to England for personal reasons, and Brighton have now secured a player with significant domestic and European pedigree.
Dario Vidosic, Brighton Women’s first-team coach, said of her arrival, “Lia is a huge addition to the team ahead of the new season.
“She brings a similar leadership profile to the group as Fran Kirby – a huge amount of experience at the very top end of the game, with silverware to show for it.
“Lia’s career speaks for itself and I am looking forward to seeing the impact she will have for us.”
Walti’s international teammate, Géraldine Reuteler, 27, is expected to join the Gunners this summer.
- Maresca admits he would call Manchester City ‘cheats’ if he was an Arsenal fanEnzo Maresca has made a striking Arsenal comparison while discussing the fallout from Manchester City’s cheating
- Arsenal women’s game v Barcelona moved due to strikesArsenal Women’s Champions League trip to Barcelona has been rearranged, with disruption in Spain forcing a change to the original schedule.
- ‘Emotional’ Giroud reveals Arsenal dressing room inviteOlivier Giroud has revealed what Mikel Arteta did after Lille’s defeat at the Emirates as he reflected on an emotional Arsenal return.
- Arsenal 20yo recovers from foot injury to score in 10-0 winSmilla Holmberg recovered from a foot injury scare to feature in both of Sweden’s play-off wins over Lithuania, scoring in the emphatic second leg.
- Arsenal handed major Bayern Munich boost before Champions League clashBayern Munich will be without one of their key attacking players against Arsenal after a costly incident in Tuesday’s Champions League draw.