With the January transfer window now well underway, clubs have already begun announcing new signings and loan deals as they look to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the season. A review by ESPN published in December highlighted Arsenal’s high average player age and lack of squad depth as key areas for improvement. With key players such as youngster Katie Reid and goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger sidelined by ACL injuries, the team has continued to rely heavily on its more experienced core.
With several other young players, such as Laia Codina not playing regular minutes, the Gunners risk losing a number of promising young talents when contracts expire in the summer. With 10 points between Arsenal and league frontrunners Manchester City, Arsenal will be looking to switch things up, and they did just that, early in the transfer window.
Enter Smilla Holmberg.
The 19-year old Swedish international made her senior debut in May 2025 at the Women’s Euros in Switzerland. Holmberg impressed onlookers throughout the tournament, playing three times as Sweden reached the quarter-finals. She was also the youngest member of the Swedish national squad. At just 19, she already boasts 11 international caps and one goal.
Born in Stockholm, Holmberg joined Hammarby IF at age seven and remained with the club until 2025. During that time, she made 96 appearances, debuting at the senior level at just 15 in 2022, and scoring 10 goals. In terms of silverware, the full-back won the Swedish league title (Damallsvenskan) in 2023, and the Swedish Cup (Svenska Cupen) in 2023 and 2025 alongside her Hammarby teammates.
Things have moved quickly for Holmberg, with 2025 acting as her breakout year. She started all 26 of Hammarby’s league games, scoring six goals in the Damallsvenskan alongside four assists. She made her senior international debut at the Euros against a strong Italian side and also featured in Sweden’s quarter-final defeat to England.
In November, Holmberg scored against Dutch giants Ajax in the UEFA Europa Cup, helping Hammarby progress to the quarter finals with a 6-2 aggregate win. Her skillset will prove immensely useful for Arsenal, already having been remarked upon by some as a “set piece specialist.” Confident on the ball, she consistently delivers dangerous crosses into the box, creating goal-scoring opportunities for forwards such as Alessia Russo and fellow Swede Stina Blackstenius.
Her addition to the squad also helps to address Arsenal’s depth concerns, and provides cover for Emily Fox. Speaking on the signing, Head Coach Renee Slegers highlighted Holmberg’s “versatility and athleticism” as well as her “potential for development.”
Arsenal’s Director of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley, described Holmberg as “one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe” praising the “real composure and maturity” she has already shown in her professional career.
When asked what she would like to achieve, Holmberg replied simply: “win titles” – words Arsenal fans will be delighted to hear as the current Champions League title holders vie for a spot at the top. Holmberg also said:
“It has always been my dream to play for Arsenal. It’s also about joining a club with the highest standards and a strong winning culture. My ambitions align with the club’s and I want to help win silverware here.”
With a busy season ahead for the Gunners, including a FIFA Women’s Champions Cup semi-final and a tricky upcoming fixture against six-time WSL champions Chelsea, Smilla Holmberg could be exactly what Arsenal need.
