Arsenal transfer news: 20-year-old signs for world-record fee as Gunners confirm huge deal

Arsenal Women have confirmed the arrival of 20-year-old striker Olivia Smith from Liverpool Women for what is believed to be a world-record fee.

The 2004-born Canada international has reportedly cost the Champions League winners an unprecedented £1m, making her the most expensive female player of all time and the first to go for seven figures.

Smith's move to North London eclipses the previous record set by Chelsea Women, who forked out circa £900,000 to sign American defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in January.

The 20-year-old is thought to have signed a four-year deal at Arsenal until the summer of 2029, and she will sport the number 15 shirt for Renee Slegers's side.

Speaking to arsenal.com in her first interview since joining the reigning European champions, Smith said: "It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal. 

Smith, Slegers react to record-breaking Arsenal transfer

The latest addition to the Arsenal family ❤️

Olivia Smith is a Gunner ✍️ pic.twitter.com/9tDKSMcfxf

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) July 17, 2025

"It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe and I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal. The atmosphere the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is incredible and I can’t wait to have that behind me now."

Meanwhile, head coach Slegers talked up Smith's "level of ambition" as Arsenal pursue Women's Super League glory as well as Champions League stardom, adding: "Olivia is an exciting young player and we believe she can make a big contribution here at Arsenal.

"We’ve been impressed by her mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a young age. I know she has a level of ambition that matches our own and we’re looking forward to working with her as she continues to grow at the club."

Finally, director of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “We’re thrilled to bring Olivia to Arsenal. She’s one of the most talented young players in the game and has huge potential for further development here at the club.

"On behalf of everyone at Arsenal, I’d like to welcome Olivia to Arsenal and congratulate her on this special moment."

Olivia Smith in profile after world-record £1m Arsenal transfer

Smith joins Chloe Kelly, Taylor Hinds and Anneke Borbe as Arsenal's fourth permanent signing of the summer, and the youngster departs Liverpool after just one year in the red strip.

During her maiden campaign in English football, Smith found the back of the net nine times in 25 appearances for Liverpool, form that earned her the club's Players' Player of the Year prize.

Smith was also nominated for the WSL's Rising Star award - losing out to West Ham United's forward Shekiera Martinez - prior to which she contributed an eye-catching 16 goals in 28 matches for Sporting Lisbon in 2023-24.

Internationally, the striker has four goals to show from 18 senior appearances for the Canada national team, including two at the 2024 Gold Cup, where she clinched the Best Young Player accolade.

As well as her clinical finishing ability and willingness to take a player on, Smith is equally renowned for her defensive contributions, but it remains to be seen whether the embryonic attacker can cope with the pressure of being the most expensive women's player in the history of the game.

Written by
Ben Knapton