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      ‘We need to use this time very wisely’, says Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal gear up for new season

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s pre-season test will determine which players gel best on the pitch before their push for silverware next term.  And the Gunners chief wants his ace to have a fast start in the qualifiers for the Champions League group stage.Jonas Eidevall’s players will take on a Washington Spirit in the first game of their pre-season tour laterCredit: GettyTheir clash with the NWSL team comes four days after the club signed Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji from BK HackenCredit: GettyTonight the WSL side take on Washington Spirit in the United States in their first game of their first pre-season tour across the pond.  The Gunners will also face title-holders Chelsea on August 25 in the first meeting of the sides since Sonia Bompastor began her role as the Blues new head coach in July.  Their clash with Chelsea could offer a glimpse of a new look for the side attack following the arrivals of Spain and Sweden forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji.The duo sealed summer transfers from Barcelona and BK Hacken to the Women’s League Cup holders with with Cloe Lacasse and WSL record scorer Vivianne Miedema leaving the club.Read More Football StoriesAlong with full-back Emily Fox and centre-back Laia Codina, Caldentey will join the squad on Monday after their duel with Washington Spirit. Eidevall, who guided Arsenal to League Cup wins this year and last year, said: “We need to see which players gel best with each other and what relationships we can develop.”That’s the process that we’re starting here (the US) now.”We haven’t had any sessions with the whole squad yet.Most read in Football”The whole squad (of 29) will probably be here on the 20th, so that process does not really start until then. We need to use the time very wisely.”It’s not only with our forward line but other units have players with different qualities too.“I think that’s really exciting because we have one way of playing but we can shape that in forms that are going to be as optimal as possible through game-state or opponent.”Arsenal’s duels with Chelsea and Washington Spirit, who are managed by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, will be followed by them facing Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.The Gunners will host the Scottish Women’s Premier League in the first round clash to qualify for the contest’s group stage on September 4thThe winners of this one-off match will take on the victors of a clash between Atletico Madrid and Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in a bid to reach the next stageWith his side suffering an unexpected qualifier knockout loss to Paris FC last term, Eidevall is keen to see them get off to a flier this year.He adds: “We’re only playing one game, so it’s not a two-legged qualifier which is very different.”You could see that in the game against Paris when we were knocked out. Eidevall hopes to guide his team through the Champions League qualifiers to the contest’s group stage this seasonCredit: Getty”The stress of conceding a goal in the second half is totally different compared to if you were playing a return leg.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reaction of the team is going to be way different which makes the margins much smaller in these games.”We need to start fast to get those margins on the right side for us and we need to get the right answers against Washington so we have a good foundation to build from.” More

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      ‘I’m the one who puts more pressure on me’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor as she targets Blues glory in Europe

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR sees becoming Chelsea boss as coming out of her comfort zone with the Blues embarking on a new era under her.Guiding the team to the Champions League prize that eluded them during Emma Hayes’ trophy-laden reign is the ex-Lyon gaffer’s a top priority. Sonia Bompastor intends to instil her football vision and philosophy at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former Lyon head coach is aiming to win every trophy the Blues will vying for in her first season at the WSL title-holders’ helmCredit: GettyThe France-born Chelsea boss has set her sights on turning Chelsea into Champions League winnersThe France-born mother-of-four is the first woman to win contest both as a player and a manager.And next season will be the Blues’ first of the post-Hayes era following their former boss becoming USA Women’s head coach at the end of last term after 12 years at the helm.In her first Chelsea press conference yesterday, Bompastor talked of her admiration of Hayes’ legacy.Aside from attempting to add an eighth top-flight trophy to the seven the Blues lifted under her predecessor, she is determined to see them claim Europe’s top club football prize.Read More Football StoriesAnd while she respects the foundations Hayes put in place, she intends to build Chelsea in her own vision as she attempts to achieve this goal.Bompastor, who was appointed as Blues boss in May on a four-year deal, said: “I am a completely different person from Emma.”I have a different vision and philosophy. I’m just trying to build on that legacy. “For me what is really important is to come to this club, respect everything that was built before and build my own vision.Most read in Football”From my background and experience, I can support the players and the club to achieve their goals.”I will use everyone to make sure we bring what we need to bring to make sure this team keeps performing at a high level.”Next week Chelsea embark on their first pre-season tour in the USA a month before Bompastor’s first WSL game at their helm on September 22 when her team host Aston Villa. An August 20 clash with Gotham City will be followed by a duel with Arsenal five days later, a warm-up to them battling for next season’s title along with their domestic rivals. The games will also provide an insight into the approach and mindset of the new Blues chief who hates losing.Her ultra-competitive edge has been highlighted by players managed by her in the past. They include Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali who was coached by Bompastor in Lyon’s academy at the age of 16.Dali, describes as someone who knows exactly what it takes to win.An individual whose fierce competitive edge helped her triumph in the Champions League twice as a player in 2011 and 2012, and once as a manager in 2022.Bompastor, adds: “As a manager I am really competitive and I don’t like losing. I’m a really bad loser and I never want it to happen.“I will work really hard to make sure we are not in that position but sometimes it can happen.“I am a manager who really likes to take care of people as well.“When you are a player you always take care of yourself and sometimes you are selfish.“As a manager, you never think about you, you always think about everyone else.”Since retiring 11 years ago after a 13-year senior playing career, including two Lyon spells, Bompastor helped her the club maintain their dominance in France’s top tier.Three successive titles were won during her three seasons coaching Lyon’s senior side from 2021, after seven years managing their women’s academy.The team also lifted a Champions League trophy in May 2022 beating Barcelona 3-1 in the final.Winning this tournament with Chelsea is high on Bompastor’s agenda aside from a capturing every major domestic prize in England.And the challenge of doing so at a club who have sacked three men’s team managers since May 2022, is not a concern for her.The Chelsea chief said: “Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on me.“I’ve signed for four years and four years is a good time for me to come and put (forward) my own philosophy and vision. “Sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and have this new challenge. For me the goal is really clear.“I had the opportunity to win the Champions League in France, but I wanted to come to a club who has the ambitions to win the Champions League and in a new country.”In the past Bompastor’s predecessor Hayes did not shy away from criticising match scheduling amid concerns fixture congestion could impact players’ welfare.Last November the Blues played three games in seven daysThese included a Saturday lunchtime duel with Liverpool preceded a Wednesday night Champions League clash away at Real Madrid.The team have a Champions League group game (on October 8 or 9) sandwiched between two of their biggest fixtures these coming season. These are a home game against Man United on October 6 and a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on October 13.And Bompastor has no qualms about making her “voice heard” on fixture scheduling concerns. The Chelsea chief said: “Something what will be really difficult is when you have to play a Champions League game midweek, and then have to play a very big game on weekends against Arsenal, Manchester City, or Man United.”This is something really hard, because you need to perform during one week with three competitive games.”It’s really difficult sometimes for the players to be able to perform with not a lot of recovery between the games.”This is really different from France. Five-time Champions League winner Lucy Bronze is among the four new players signed by Chelsea following Bompastor’s arrivalCredit: Getty “In France, the French (football) federation was helping the French clubs a lot, especially the ones who are playing the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were the ones making sure Lyon were not playing a big team in the league to help us to perform in the Champions League.”This is maybe something we will need to work on with the FA. I will try to use my voice.” More

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      Arsenal sign rising Sweden star Rosa Kafaji following swoop for ex-Barcelona ace Mariona Caldentey

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      ROSA KAFAJI is hungry to compete for football’s biggest prizes with Arsenal after making a permanent switch to the north London giants.The forward’s transfer from Swedish side BK Hacken was confirmed today with the Gunners boosting their attacking options following Vivianne Miedema’s departure in May.Rosa Kafaji’s Arsenal move follows the club signing former Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey last monthCredit: ReutersKafaji has signed a long-term contract with Gunners after a two-year stint with Swedish top-flight side BK HackenCredit: GettyArsenal will begin their first tour of the United States this week with the team due to face Washington Spirit and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies on August 18 and 25.Credit: GettyThe club confirmed Kafaji has joined the WSL side on a long-term deal, the length of which has not been publicly disclosed.Of her Gunners move, the nine-capped Sweden player, 21, said: “It feels amazing to join this club”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.”Kafaji’s transfer, after two years with Hacken, follows reports linking the versatile Sweden forward with an imminent Arsenal switch.Read More Football Stories The club have been strengthening their attacking options ahead of their bid to win a WSL title for the first time since 2019.This includes a swoop for Mariona Caldentey with the Spain forward sealing permanent Arsenal move in July after ten years playing for Barcelona.During her decade-long spell with the Catalan giants she scored 114 goals in 302 games, winning 22 trophies including three Champions League titles.Kafaji, 21, ended last season as Hacken’s top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, including four netted during last term’s Champions League contest.Most read in FootballThe forward also impressed for Sweden when they were held to a 0-0 draw by England in a match that ended with the Lionesses sealing automatic qualification for next year’s Euros. And she is seen one of the world’s most promising young forwards by Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.The Arsenal Women’s head coach said: “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.“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world.”The Gunners’ director of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “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.”Kafaji’s move to the seven-time league cup winners comes just over three months after ex-Arsenal ace Miedema played her last game for the side.The Netherlands all-time top scorer, who netted 125 goals in 172 Arsenal appearances, left the club at the end of last term. She went on to join their title foes Manchester City as a free agent in July.The WSL rivals will go toe-to-toe on Sunday 22 September in their highly anticipated season-opening clash at the Emirates.The match is likely to see Miedema face her old side for the first time since sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens last term.Her old club are set to play 11 of their matches at the Emirates next season.Arsenal will host Manchester City at the Emirates on September 22 in their first WSL game of next seasonCredit: GettyAnd Sweden ace Kafaji is relishing the prospect of playing alongside her new team-mates at the stadium next term.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds: “I can’t wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it just feels right to be at Arsenal.” More

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      Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating shortlisted for PFA award

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      CHELSEA’S Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones are among six WSL stars nominated for the PFA’s women’s young player of the year award.Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has also been shortlisted for the gong after winning last season’s WSL Golden Glove.Lauren James is one of the six nominees for this year’s PFA women’s young player awardCredit: GettyThe Blues forward finished as the second-highest scorer in the WSL last season helping Chelsea win a seventh league titleCredit: GettyAggie Beever-Jones is also on the shortlist for this year’s prize after impressing in front of goal for Chelsea last seasonCredit: ReutersThis year’s award winner is due to be announced next Tuesday at a ceremony in Manchester. Keating, 20, who emerged as a first team regular for her club last term, kept nine clean sheets in the women’s top-flight with City finishing runners-up in the title race.And her England team-mate James, 22, ended the 2023-24 season as the WSL’s second-highest scorer behind Man City’s Khadija Shaw.The Blues forward, who won the PFA’s young player award last year, registered 13 goals and two assists in 16 league games helping Chelsea win a fifth successive WSL title.Read More Football StoriesJames’ fellow Blue Beever-Jones, 21, has also been shortlisted for the first time in her career, after impressing in her senior breakout season for her club.The London-born striker, who made her senior England debut in a 2-1 Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland last month, scored 11 times in 17 WSL appearances last term.Man City forward Jess Park, 23, is one of the three remaining players in the running for the PFA’s award.The versatile winger played an influential role in City’s attack during the second half of last term, after her attacking midfielder team-mate Jill Roord sustained a knee ligament injury in January.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHer four goals and five assists in 18 games helped Gareth Taylor’s side bag a Champions League place a season after they finished fourth and missed out on a spot in last term’s contest.  Manchester United duo Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier are the other two nominees for the women’s young player award.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ Clinton flourished during her season-long loan at Tottenham helping the team reach a Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever this year.Her commanding displays in midfield at club level, which include four goals and four assists in 20 WSL games, also led to her receiving her first senior England call-up last October.Khiara Keating is one of two Manchester City players nominated by the PFA for their women’s young player gongCredit: GettyThe Liverpool-born midfielder went net on her senior Lionesses debut four months later in a 7-2 friendly win against Austria in February.Meanwhile Clinton’s Man United team-mate Maya Le Tissier started in all 22 of the team’s league games last season.The England defender, 22, helped the Red Devils win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Spurs 4-0 at Wembley in May. More

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      Ayaka Yamashita talks of Ederson admiration and trophy hunger after sealing three-year Manchester City switch

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      AYAKA YAMASHITA is hungry to make a trophy-winning mark at Manchester City after sealing a three-year move to the WSL giants.And the goalkeeper is relishing being the first pro City female player to have the same shirt number as the club’s Prem stopper Ederson.Ayaka Yamashita has become the fourth Japan international player to join Manchester CityYamashita’s arrival follows the goalkeeper competing with Japan in the women’s football contest at the Paris OlympicsCredit: AlamyToday the Cityzens unveiled Yamashita, who began her senior career atJapanese side Tokyo Beleza in, as their newest signing in this summer’s transfer window.The deal for the shot stopper, who won six top tier titles in her country will run until the summer of 2027. Last year she was named as Japan’s Women’s Football League’s most outstanding player.This summer Man City, who hope to end their title dry spell with their last win coming in 2016, have boosted their attacking and midfield options.  Read More Football Stories Ex-Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema and Japan forward Aoba Fujino are among the stars who have joined the side before the WSL’s returns in September.Yamashita’s switch from Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa sees her reunited at club level with her pal and City midfielder Yui Hasegawa.The keeper, who was part of the Japan side beaten 1-0 by Emma Hayes’ USA side at the Paris Olympics quarter-finals, will don the number 31 shirt.Like Ederson, who has lifted 17 major trophies with City including six Prem titles whilst wearing that number, Yamashita hopes to win big. Most read in FootballThe City keeper said: “During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. “I’m really looking forward to playing with her again.”It’s also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt.”Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. “I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”Because of my personality, I am very hungry. “I’ve won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge.”This is a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.”Man City women’s managing director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Ayaka is an impressive goalkeeper and serial winner with an even more impressive number of domestic trophies to her name.”It has been a pleasure watching her on the world stage during her second Olympics these last few weeks”As we continue to evolve, having a player with attributes like Ayaka’s will help us challenge for honours for years to come.”Yamashita’s move comes three months after City were beaten to last season’s title on goal difference by Chelsea in Hayes’ final season at the Blues helm.Under Taylor the Manchester giants have taken battles for WSL supremacy to the wire last season and in 2021.Having won the FA and League Cups under their boss the team are eager to end their wait to win the title for the first time since 2016.Khiara Keating shone in goal for Man City last seasonCredit: PAYamashita joining the ranks will see highly-rated stopper Khiara Keating face competition for a starting spot in Taylor’s side.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe young Lioness has established herself as City’s number one between the sticks having impressed for the team last season Last term Keating won the WSL’s Golden Glove award by keeping nine clean sheets in 22 appearances. More

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      Lauren Hemp eager to get WSL title job done and backs Vivianne Miedema to be slick for Manchester City

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      LAUREN HEMP hopes to avoid an “edge of the seat” finish when Manchester City battle for next season’s WSL crown.And the forward, 23, is backing Vivianne Miedema to be a massive addition for City, just like her Dutch compatriot Jill Roord.Lauren Hemp hopes Man City can see off their rivals in the race for next season’s WSL titleCredit: GettyLast month the WSL side made former Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema their first signing in this summer’s transfer windowCredit: PAMan City boss Gareth Taylor has reinforced his attacking options by signing 20-year-old Japan forward Aoba FujinoIn seven weeks and two days, Hemp and her team-mates begin their push for a second Women’s Super League title for City when the WSL returns. Her side, who were runners-up last season, will battle to become champions with their last triumph occurring eight years ago. After the disappointment of being pipped by Chelsea due to goal difference, Hemp is hungry to see Man City come out on top next year.The Lioness, who signed a three-year contract extension in April, said: “We’re hoping to not make it edge of the seat towards the end of the season and hopefully get the job done.Read More Football Stories “We’ve seen over the last few years how much the women’s games has grown – especially the WSL.”It’s going from strength to strength each year and I’m very excited about the prospect of the title race”We’ve seen in recent years how it always comes down to the wire.”But it’s what you want to be involved in and I’m excited for whatever happens this season.”Most read in FootballThis summer’s transfer window has seen an array of talents join clubs across the top two tiers of women’s football.Players such as Spain forward Mariona Caldentey and England full-back Lucy Bronze have swapped Barcelona for moves to Arsenal and title holders Chelsea.And Man United boosted their attacking options by signing Norway striker Elisabeth Terland, who finished as last term’s third highest WSL scorer with 13 goals in 22 games. City have pulled off some major swoops of their own this summer. New additions include defender Risa Shimizu who joined from West Ham before suffering a knee injury during Japan’s 2-1 loss to Spain at the Paris Olympics on July 26. Today the club also strengthened their attacking ranks by signing Shimizu’s Japan team-mate Aoba Fujino. Memorable goals for the ex-Tokyo Verdy Beleza starlet include a stunning angled strike against Spain when Japan beat them 4-0 in the World Cup group stage last July. But arguably the biggest signing for City this summer is Miedema. The prolific forward joined as a free agent after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season after seven years.The 28-year-old. signed on a three-year deal last month, is currently the WSL’s all-time leading scorer.  And her move follows a couple of injury-disrupted seasons. Jill has been a massive player in our squad and hopefully Viv will be the same.Lauren Hemp on Vivianne MiedemaLast October Miedema made her long-awaited return to action after rupturing a knee ligament in December 2022. And in March the Netherlands ace underwent a minor knee operation which kept her out of match action for several weeks. However Miedema, who started in three of the nine WSL games she played in last term, netted on her final Arsenal appearance in May – a 5-0 defeat of Bristol. In the seven years she has played in England following a move from Bayern Munich, Miedema has scored 125 goals in 172 Gunners appearances.A season-opening clash between Arsenal and Man City could see her battle her old side at the Emirates on September 22. And Hemp is confident the player, whose compatriots Roord and Kerstin Casperij, have impressed for City, will also make her mark. She adds: “She’s a great signing and I’ve looked up to her for quite a long time in my career. “She went on to do amazing things for Arsenal.”Having her in the squad is exciting and everyone’s looking forward to that. “I’m glad we got the signing in over the line and hopefully she’ll bring a lot to the team. “Her fellow Dutchy in Jill has been a massive player in our squad and hopefully Viv will do the same.”This summer Hemp has been spending time in her home town of North Walsham. One Tuesday she was spotted watching her former club Norwich City play Wroxham Women, and posed for pictures with fans following the Canaries’ 5-0 win. Football aside, Hemp recently made a brief return to the cricket field in July. The England forward is backing the ‘Everyone In campaign’ led by KP Snacks to encourage people to get more active by taking up the sport.During her years as a Norwich City youth player, Hemp juggled playing football alongside cricket for Norfolk Women.At 16, the WSL star faced a tough choice on which sport to pursue.She opted to join Bristol City in 2016 after eight years with Norwich, including one season playing for the club’s elite boys’ team. Hemp said: “I was heavily involved in the England youth set-up with football.”It was probably around the time when I was deciding where I was going to continue playing football. “That ended up being at Bristol, when I moved home and went to college when I was about 16.“It was around then I realised I can’t do both. In the summer, I’d play a lot of cricket and in the winter, it’d be more to do football.”I love both sports and it was a hard decision at the time. But I’m very grateful that I ended up choosing to play football.”Last month Hemp took part in a cricket training session for children in ManchesterLast month Hemp, whose pals include Manchester Originals wicket keeper and batter Ellie Threkeld, took part in a cricket masterclass for children.The session at Cheetham Hill Sports Club, Manchester, was hosted by KP Snacks’ prior to the start of The Hundred. Games taking place this month as part of the 100-ball cricket contest include Manchester Originals’ clash with the Northern Superchargers. Both sides will go toe-to-toe at Headingley in Leeds this Sunday.Hemp adds: “I seem to watch a lot of matches whether that be tests or T20 games, which are on TV on SkyREAD MORE SUN STORIES “I’ve stuck it on while I’ve got free time in the afternoon.”This includes Ellie and the girls from the Manchester Originals. I like to see them do well.”Hemp’s pal Ellie Threkeld (pictured centre-left), also took part in the training session held as part of a campaign to promote The HundredThe Hundred – Women’s FixturesSaturday 3 August 11:00 – Birmingham Phoenix vs Southern Brave (Edgbaston) 14:30 – Trent Rockets vs Welsh Fire (Trent Bridge) Sunday 4 August 11:00 – London Spirit vs Ovals Invincibles (Lords) 14:30 – Northern Superchargers vs Manchester Originals (Headingley)Monday 5 August 15:00 – Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave (Sophia Gardens)Tuesday 6 August 11:30 – Manchester Originals vs Oval Invincibles (Emirates, Old Trafford) 15:00 – Birmingham Phoenix vs Northern Superchargers (Edgbaston) Wednesday 7 August15:00 – Trent Rockets vs London Spirit (Trent Bridge) Thursday 8 August 11:30 – Welsh Fire vs Northern Superchargers (Sophia Gardens) 15:00 – Oval Invincibles vs Southern Brave (The Oval) Friday 9 August 15:00 – London Spirit vs Manchester Originals (Lords) Saturday 10 August 11:00 – Southern Brave vs Trent Rockets (Utilita Bowl) 14:30 – Welsh Fire vs Birmingham Phoenix (Sophia Gardens)Sunday 11 August 11:00 – Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit (The Oval) 14:30 – Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers (Emirates Old Trafford) Monday 12 August15:00 Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets (Edgbaston)Tuesday 13 August 15:00 – Northern Superchargers vs London Spirit (Headingley) Wednesday 14 August 11:30 – Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire (Utilita) 15:00 – Trent Rocket vs Oval Invincibles (Trent Bridge) Thursday 15 August 15:00 – Birmingham Phoenix vs Manchester Originals (Edgbaston) Sunday 18 August 14:15 – Final (Lords) More

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      Daphne van Domselaar eager to win silverware with Arsenal after sealing permanent switch from Aston Villa

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      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.Daphne van Domselaar sees Arsenal as the right club to be atCredit: GettyGunners boss Jonas Eidevall believes the Netherlands-born shot stopper will be a strong addition to his squadCredit: GettyVan 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 clubOf her Gunners transfer Van Domselaar said: “I’m really happy to be here.Read More Football stories”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.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe 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.”Van Domselaar will wear Arsenal’s number 14 shirtCredit: Getty”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.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVan 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. More

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      WSL weeks away from start of new era under football body led by former Nike director

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      A club-owned organisation taking charge of women’s football’s top two tiers in England is set to be up and running from next season.The body named NewCo, will take over management of the WSL and Women’s Championship before the September start of the 2024-25 campaign.NewCo will take from the FA as the body in charge of the Women’s Super League from next seasonCredit: AlamyThe club-owned body intends to establish an advisory group for fans as part of its plans for the women’s game’s top two tiersCredit: PAIts takeover is set to be completed ahead of the Women’s Championship resuming on September 7-8 and WSL matches commencing two weekends later.The move will see NewCo take up the reins from the FA following the authority being in charge of the WSL and second tier since 2010 and 2014.It will also come ten months after the appointment of former Nike director Nikki Doucet as NewCo’s chief executive.Over the past 14 years the FA has overseen the development and professionalisation of both divisions.Read More Football Stories This includes leading the brokering of multimillion pound domestic broadcast deals for WSL games to be aired on Sky Sports and the BBC.NewCo’s first board meeting will be held in September and followed by an inaugural gathering for their shareholders in October.There are also plans to establish a fans’ advisory group at a date yet to be specified.A number of senior officials have been hired to support the running of NewCo. An interim chief marketing officer is in post and chief football officer has been recruited.Most read in FootballFrom next season WSL games will be available to watch on YouTube in addition to Sky Sports and the BBCCredit: GettyAnd a chief revenue officer is due to start working for the organisation on September 2.NewCo’s takeover of the women’s games’ top two divisions will coincide with WSL matches being streamed on YouTube next season. Although league fixtures will transition from being aired on FA Player, the online platform will continue to host live Women’s FA Cup games. More