Arsenal Women have secured the signature of Swedish forward Rosa Kafaji, adding further depth and quality to their attacking ranks.

The 21-year-old joins from BK Häcken, where she impressed in the Women’s Champions League, and is seen as one of the brightest young talents in the game.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - FEBRUARY 28: Rosa Kafaji of Sweden during the UEFA Women's Nations League Promotion & Relegation Second Leg Match between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Tele2 Arena on February 28, 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – FEBRUARY 28: Rosa Kafaji of Sweden during the UEFA Women’s Nations League Promotion & Relegation Second Leg Match between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Tele2 Arena on February 28, 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old from BK Häcken becomes the third signing in the summer transfer window following Mariona Caldentey and Daphne van Domselaar.

She is an explosive forward who revealed herself to the world in the Women’s Champions League where Häcken made a run to the quarter-finals and she scored four goals in the tournament. She has also been capped by Sweden nine times, scoring one goal.

A top prospect among the best young forwards in the world, it will be very interesting to see how she plays in the Arsenal 4-4-2 system, once she has settled in England. It is important to remember that she is only 21 years of age and it will be her first time playing abroad. Settling down in a new country with a new language takes a certain amount of time, although there is no doubt she will be helped by the big Swedish party already at the club.

“It feels amazing to join this club – I’m so happy to be here,” said Rosa. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it just feels right to be at Arsenal. I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies. I can’t wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters.”

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: “Rosa is one of the outstanding young players in the game and we’re so happy to have brought her to Arsenal. She has already gained great experience, and has the ambition and desire to continue to develop and grow in our environment. I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Rosa to the club. We look forward to watching her in red and white very soon.”

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world and I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years. She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.”

The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Her addition to the Arsenal attack brings a new profile to play behind the main striker (Russo or Blackstenius). It will add depth to the second striker position with Maanum, Caldentey and even Little if needed able to play in that position.

Arsenal are therefore stacked and doubled up every attacking position on the pitch and should offer multiple and varied options to be able to breach the opposition’s defences and improve from last season.