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Arsenal women sell 19yo winger to Eintracht Frankfurt

The England youth international leaves Arsenal following loan spells in England and Sweden as she takes the next step in her career and links up with another former Gunner.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Vivienne Lia of Arsenal controls the ball infront of Micheala Foster of the All Stars during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Arsenal have confirmed the permanent departure of Vivienne Lia, with the highly rated winger completing a move to Eintracht Frankfurt after progressing through the club’s academy.

Lia has signed a four-year contract until June 30, 2030.

The 19-year-old leaves north London having gained valuable experience on loan in both England with Nottingham Forest and Sweden with Hammarby before securing a permanent move to the Frauen Bundesliga.

The winger spent the first half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan with Forest, making 12 appearances in Barclays Women’s Super League 2 before joining Hammarby for the remainder of the season after she was recalled.

DURHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Vivienne Lia of Notts Forest looks on during the Barclays Women's Super League 2 match between Durham and Nottingham Forest at Maiden Castle Sports Park on October 12, 2025 in Durham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

During her spell in Sweden, Lia also featured 12 times and scored once, adding further senior experience before returning to Arsenal this summer.

Lia joined Arsenal’s academy in 2021 at the age of 14 before making her senior debut in February 2024 during a League Cup quarter-final victory over London City Lionesses.

She signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in January 2025.

She leaves the club having made two senior first-team appearances, with Arsenal confirming her permanent transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt as she takes the next step in her career in Germany.

Lia told the official Eintracht Frankfurt website: “It feels great. I’m very happy to be here and to take the next steps in my career at Eintracht. It’s exactly the right step for me, and I’m really looking forward to this new chapter. Eintracht Frankfurt is a big, powerful club with ambitions.

“I could immediately identify with that. When this opportunity arose, I had to seize it. I already know two players, Amanda Ilestedt and Danique Tolhoek, who I’m really looking forward to playing with. I’m an attacking player who likes to have the ball, I’m creative, I want to create things, score goals, and provide assists.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Amanda Ilestedt of Arsenal celebrates with the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy after defeating FC Barcelona during the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

“I’m a player who loves the mix of creativity and freedom on the pitch. I’m excited to take the next steps in my development here.”

Sporting director Babett Peter added: “We have a clear vision for Eintracht and want to show young players a path to developing into top players with us. We were able to open up this path to Vivienne in our discussions. She possesses a great deal of talent and can already boast considerable experience, including at the international level.

“As a top talent from the English league, she has the necessary robustness, as well as good speed and one-on-one skills, to give us another dimension in attack. We look forward to working with her long-term and supporting her in the next steps of her development – ​​both on and off the pitch.”

Lia will wear the number 24 shirt.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Alex Chidiac of the All Stars is challenged by Katie Reid and Vivienne Lia of Arsenal during the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Women and Arsenal Women FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
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