Hurtig hails Arsenal move after club confirm forward’s move from Juventus
LINA HURTIG says it is super exciting to move Arsenal with the club strengthening their attacking ranks ahead of their season-opening clash with Manchester City.
The WSL giants today announced the Sweden star’s move from Juventus ending weeks of speculation.
And the former Serie A ace has become the second Swedish player to join the Gunners following the January transfer of her compatriot Stina Blackstenius.
Her arrival follows the departure of England forward Nikita Parris who sealed a move to Manchester United.
The length of Hurtig’s deal has not been revealed by the club, who finished one point behind WSL champions Chelsea last term.
Hurtig who spent two years at Juve and will wear the Gunners’ number 17 shirt if her Arsenal move, said: “It feels so great – I’m very happy to be here.
“I’ve always, always wanted to play in England, and I’ve always been interested in English football, so it’s super exciting for me to be here.
“I know Arsenal is a great club, with great players and a lot of quality, so I think I will enjoy myself here.”
Hurtig, who made his senior debut for Sweden in a 1-1 friendly against Canada in 2014, has scored 19 goals in 58 games for his country.
The versatile forward’s international goals include a header in a 3-0 rout of the USA in the Tokyo Olympics group stage.
And the Swedish star and teammates won silver at the Games.
The forward, who was part of the team that was beaten 4-0 by England in this year’s European Championship semis, began her senior club career at Sweden’s Gustafs Golf in 2011 before sealing a move to Umeå in 2012.
Following the latter’s 2016 relegation from his country’s top division, Hurtig spent two years playing for Linköpings before joining Juve in August 2020.
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There she helped the Italian champions, managed by former Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, win two Italian Super Cups, one Coppa Italia trophy and two Serie A titles.
The club also reached the quarter-finals of last term’s Champions League where they fell to a 4-3 aggregate defeat against eventual competition winners Lyon
Head coach Jonas Eidevall, whose side will face Man City away on September 11, added: “Lina is an excellent forward who will bring power and dynamism to our game.
“She has shone in the Champions League and international tournaments, and we are delighted that she will feature for Arsenal going forward.”