ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeper options by adding Sarah Bouhaddi to their ranks on a short-term deal.
The ex-Lyon ace 37, who won the Women’s Champions League eight times with the French giants, has joined the WSL side as a free agent.
Bouhaddi’s move follows her one-year spell playing for Lyon’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain up until the end of last season.
The arrival of the Cannes-born player also comes two weeks after Arsenal number one Manuela Zinsberger signed a new contract with the club.
The side, currently third in the Women’s Super League, have been previously linked with Manchester United ace Mary Earps.
Of her move to the Gunners who face West Ham in the top-flight on Sunday, Bouhaddi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arsenal and to become part of this great club,”
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“Arsenal has so much history across both the men’s and women’s teams and I’ve always admired the club.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in a league that is going from strength to strength.
“I want to bring my experience to help the rest of the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
Bouhaddi’s temporary switch until the end of this season will see her provide cover for Sabrina D’Angelo.
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The Gunners shot stopper is due to compete for Canada in the Gold Cup next month.
Prior to signing for the WSL title-chasers the highly-rated veteran goalkeeper’s career included a trophy-laden 13-year with Lyon.
She joined the French top-tier outfit in 2009 following spells at Toulouse and Juvisy from 2002 until that year.
Whilst at Lyon Bouhaddi established herself as one of top shot stoppers in the world helping the club to win 11 top-flight titles and eight French Cups.
Her performances for one of the most successful sides in women’s club football in European also helped her win Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award back in 2020.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has.
“We’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley added: “She has a proven track record at the highest level of the game and we believe she is the perfect player to come in for this period.”
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Bouhaddi, who began her senior club career with CNFE Clairefontaine in 2002, has made 149 appearances for France.
Three years after helping her Les Bleues win the SheBelieves Cup in 2017, Bouhaddi decided to take a break from international duty.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
