Steph Catley signs for Arsenal

Arsenal has made it known that Australia international Steph Catley has joined the club from Melbourne City FC.

The club said, the 26-year-old defender started her career at Melbourne Victory and has since gone on to play for Portland Thorns FC, Orlando Pride, and OL Reign.

Arsenal added that the deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Vice-captain of the Matildas, Steph has featured 82 times and scored three goals since making her debut at just 18 years of age.

The attack-minded full-back joins Arsenal having won the W-League Championship five times and W-League Premiership twice, in addition to being named W-League Young Player of the Year and FFA U-20 Footballer of the Year twice.

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“This is something that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” said Catley, speaking exclusively to Arsenal Digital. “Arsenal is a place where I’ve imagined myself playing for a long time too.

“I’m so excited that it’s finally done. This will be my first taste of European football and obviously there’s so much to look forward to and so many big occasions to come. I can’t wait to get started.”

“We’re privileged to have Steph at the club,” said head coach Joe Montemurro. “She suits our fluidity and she’s very good in a positional sense, but more importantly she’s very effective going forwards, so we’re excited to have her as part of the squad and we’re looking forward to some exciting times together!”