Arsenal Women announce the signing of Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius
Arsenal Women have confirmed the arrival of Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius. Blackstenius, who turns 26 in February, joins from BK Häcken where she was without a contract. Her signature was sought after by clubs across Europe and the WSL, including Manchester United, but she has joined Arsenal.
Blackstenius scored five goals in the summer Olympics this summer, two of which in Sweden’s 3-0 victory against the USA in the group stage. She also scored Sweden’s opening goal in the gold medal game, before she was suspended when Sweden lost on penalties. This is the second time Blackstenius scores a goal in a gold medal match, he did so in Rio 2016, after also scoring against the USA in Rio 2016 in the quarterfinals, where Sweden won on penalties. Blackstenius also scored in the 2019 World Cup, in a quarter-final victory over Germany, and there is a theme that develops here: she is a great goal scorer.
Blackstenius made 17 of 21 league matches for BK Häcken last season, with 27 of 32 in all competitions. At almost 5’9, she is a good air striker who enjoys crosses, something that Arsenal have increased in their attacking play, and Blackstenius can be the focal point of an attack. As a center forward, Blackstenius is very much a striker in the penalty box, which means that there is a lot of potential for an attacking collaboration between Blackstenius and Vivianne Miedema.