Arsenal sign Rosa Kafaji as Eidevall hails ‘one of the most exciting young talents’

Arsenal have completed the signing of the Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji on a long-term contract. The 21-year-old was Häcken’s top scorer in 2023-24 with 15 goals and helped them reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Kafaji had played for the Gothenburg club since 2022, scoring 28 times in 61 games in all competitions.

She has been given the No 16 shirt and Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal head coach, said: “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.”

Kafaji has played nine times for Sweden, including making a substitute appearance at Wembley in April when she provided the assist for their equaliser in a 1-1 draw with England in European Championship qualifying.

“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 said: “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.”

Arsenal’s competitive 2024-25 campaign will get under way with a Champions League qualifier against Rangers on 4 September and their Women’s Super League season opener is at home to Manchester City on 22 September.