Arsenal agree terms to sign De Almeida from PSG
September 1, 2026 09:59
Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign France international Elisa de Almeida from Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old defender is set to move to the north London club, with reports in France linking a fee of about £550,000 and indicating the transfer should be completed before Thursday’s deadline.
De Almeida is a versatile defender who can operate at centre-back and brings experience from five seasons at PSG, where she made more than 100 appearances and took part in the Women's Champions League.
KEY CONTEXT
- De Almeida has spent her whole professional career in France, playing for Paris FC and Montpellier before joining PSG.
- She has 52 caps for France and was included in Les Bleues squads at the 2023 Women's World Cup and Euro 2025.
- Arsenal have been active in this transfer window, adding players such as England midfielder Georgia Stanway and Spain full-back Ona Batlle as they target their first Women’s Super League title since 2019.
WHY IT MATTERS
Arsenal enter the season needing defensive cover, particularly at centre-back, because of early-season injury issues; De Almeida’s versatility and European experience directly address that short-term squad need. Her international experience with France also adds proven depth to a team aiming to challenge for the WSL title.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether the reported fee of about £550,000 is final (this figure comes from French sources).
- Confirmation that de Almeida’s move is completed before the transfer window deadline referenced in reports.
- How quickly she integrates into Renée Slegers’ squad ahead of Arsenal’s opening match at Brighton on Sunday 6 September (12:00 BST).
KEY FACTS
- De Almeida is 28 and can play at centre-back.
- She spent five years at PSG and made more than 100 appearances for the club.
- She has 52 caps for France and was part of the 2023 World Cup and Euro 2025 squads.
- French reports suggest a transfer fee of about £550,000 and an expected move before the transfer deadline.
- Arsenal have signed Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle this summer and aim to win their first WSL title since 2019.