Arsenal Secure Signing of Sweden Forward Rosa Kafaji
In a major coup for the women’s game, Arsenal have completed the signing of Swedish starlet Rosa Kafaji from Häcken on a long-term contract. The 21-year-old forward was Häcken’s top scorer in the 2023-24 season, netting 15 goals and helping the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Kafaji, who has been given the number 16 shirt, has been lauded by Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall as “one of the most exciting young talents in the world.” Eidevall, who has been a long-time admirer of the player, praised her “fearlessness beyond her age” and believes she has the “hunger and mentality” to thrive at the Emirates.
“It feels amazing to join this club,” she said. “I’m so happy to be here. I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare [Wheatley, Arsenal’s director of women’s football] 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.”
Wheatley, Arsenal’s director of women’s football, echoed Eidevall’s sentiments, describing Kafaji as “one of the outstanding young players in the game.” Wheatley is confident that the young forward will thrive in the Gunners’ environment and welcomed her to the club, saying, “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.”
Arsenal’s competitive 2024-25 campaign will get under way with a Champions League qualifier against Rangers on Wednesday, 4th September, before their Women’s Super League season opener at home to Manchester City on Sunday, 22nd September. Kafaji’s arrival will undoubtedly bolster the Gunners’ squad as they look to challenge for domestic and European glory in the upcoming season.
🔗 Source