Kyra Cooney-Cross’s impressive showing at the World Cup has earned the Matildas midfielder a dream move to Arsenal.
The English heavyweights announced on Friday they had signed the Australian on a two-year deal, with head coach Jonas Eidevall calling her “one of the best young players in world football”.
Cooney-Cross, an A-League Women title-winner with Melbourne Victory, said she was delighted to move from Swedish club Hammarby.
“I’m so excited to join this club. Arsenal just felt right as soon as I heard about the interest,” she said.
The move took place late on Thursday on the final day of the transfer window.
Arsenal has reportedly paid $270,000 to sign the 21-year-old, a hefty sum in the women’s game.
Cooney-Cross joins fellow Matildas stars Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord at the Gunners, who finished third in the Women’s Super League last season.
Queenslander was one of Australia’s best during their World Cup run, during which she proved to be a powerful force in the middle of the park, belying her age.
Despite being the second-youngest member of Tony Gustavsson’s squad, she played all but four minutes of the Matildas’ seven matches — an endorsement of her importance.
She joins a strong Australian contingent in the English top flight, including forwards Sam Kerr (Chelsea) and Mary Fowler (Manchester City), and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham).
The Women’s Super League season begins in a fortnight.
(ABC)
