Victoria Pelova has become Arsenal Women’s first January signing, joining on a permanent deal from Ajax.
Like Laura Wienroither and Kaylan Marckese last season, Jonas Eidevall got a glimpse of the 23-year-old playing against Arsenal in the Champions League.
The midfielder also played for The Netherlands — scoring in their 4-1 win over Switzerland — at Euro 2022, where Eidevall was a pundit.
Pelova arrives as necessary strength in depth after Jordan Nobbs’ departure and the loss of Vivianne Miedema to an ACL injury.
She spent the past three-and-a-half years at Ajax after making her first strides in professional football at ADO Den Haag.
As well as reaching the Euro 2021 quarter-final, Pelova was a member of the Dutch 2019 World Cup squad who reached the final, and has amassed 31 international caps.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Arsenal,” she said.
“I’ve always admired this club and dreamt of following in the footsteps of some of the great Dutch players who have worn the shirt. I can’t wait to get going and start contributing to the team.”
Head coach Jonas Eidevall added: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve signed Victoria. I think she’s one of the most exciting young players in the game and she will bring added dynamism and energy to our midfield. I’m looking forward to working with Victoria and I think our supporters are going to love watching her in an Arsenal shirt.”
Head of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, said: “We’re very pleased to have secured the signing of Victoria. She is one of the best young talents in European football and someone we have been tracking for some time. I know she will be an exciting addition to our squad and I look forward to watching her link up with her team-mates soon.”
(Photo: Getty Images)
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