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Arsenal are set to break the world record fee for a women’s player after agreeing a £1million deal with Liverpool for forward Olivia Smith.
The 20-year-old Canada international, who joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon at the beginning of last season, will become the first women’s player to exceed the £1million barrier.
Her move comes less than six months after Chelsea broke the world record fee for United States international Naomi Girma for £890,000.
A naturally right-footed right winger, Smith was Liverpool’s top scorer in the top-flight this season and had two years remaining on her contract.
It’s understood that the club plans to reinvest the significant fee from her departure to strengthen the squad, while continuing to develop their scouting and data analysis operations – further aligning with the approach of the men’s team.
It’s also understood that Chelsea and Lyon were also interested in signing the youngster, before Arsenal met Liverpool’s higher valuation. The deal remains subject to the agreement of personal terms.
Arsenal are set to break the world record fee for a women's player after agreeing a deal with Liverpool for Olivia Smith
The Canada international was Liverpool's top scorer last season with seven goals in the WSL
The Champions League winners are looking to take the momentum of their Lisbon success into their domestic campaign next term
Arsenal, who stunned Barcelona to win the Champions League in May, are looking to continue to evolve under head coach Renee Slegers as well as to bring in younger talent.
The Gunners will have a wealth of right-sided wingers following Smith’s signing, given Chloe Kelly signed a permanent contract with them only last week, and Beth Mead also plays in that position.
The Gunners have also brought in left-back Taylor Hinds from Liverpool on a free transfer.
