DAPHNE VAN DOMSELAAR talked up hopes of acheiving big things with Arsenal after sealing a permanent move from Aston Villa today.
The Dutch goalkeeper, 24, had been heavily linked with a Gunners switch to according to reports in the Netherlands.
Van Domselaar’s move to the North London side brought her time with the Villans to an end after 13 months.
The Netherlands international will wear the team’s number 14 shirt and compete with Manuela Zinsberger and Naomi Williams for a starting spot.
And the length of her deal with Arsenal has not been publicly disclosed by the club
Of her Gunners transfer Van Domselaar said: “I’m really happy to be here.
“If you look at Arsenal – the players, the team, the stadium – it’s a huge club and I’m so excited to be part of this club.
“I want to win trophies and achieve big things, and Arsenal is the right place for me to do both.
“I can’t wait to play at Emirates Stadium in front of all the supporters and show what I can do.”
Van Domselaar, who began her senior playing career at Dutch top-flight side FC Twente in 2017, is regarded as one of Europe’s rising goalkeeper stars.
She made 106 appearances for Twente, during her six years at the club, winning three league titles and five domestic trophies.
The ex-Villa keeper helped the Netherlands reach the last eight of the 2022 Euros after replacing injured team-mate Sari van Veenendaal in the contest’s group stage.
Last term saw Van Domselaar make 14 WSL appearances for Villa, before her season was cut short by a hip operation.
Along with Mary Earps the Netherlands international was also one of two goalkeepers nominated for last year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or award.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “She is a top goalkeeper and already has considerable experience on some of the biggest stages.
“We believe she has a great deal of potential for future development, too.”
“Daphne will further strengthen our goalkeeper unit alongside Manuela and Naomi.
“She will be a strong addition to the team as we prepare for an important new season.”
Van Domselaar marked her Arsenal switch by meeting five young goalkeepers from the Under 10s and Under 11s girls section of the club’s academy.
The players named Caitlin, Liv, Brooke, Ines and Ciara all took part in a drills session with first team goalkeeper coach Seb Barton.
