Arsenal Women are edging closer to two significant additions from the Bundesliga, with Hoffenheim striker Selina Cerci and RB Leipzig teenager Lisa Baum both understood to be closing in on moves to North London, per Arseblog’s Tim Stillman. Neither deal is confirmed yet, with official announcements unlikely before early July when existing contracts formally expire.

This is the kind of transfer business that genuinely excites. Cerci provides the clinical goals Arsenal have needed ever since Vivianne Miedema left, while Baum represents exactly the fearless, unpredictable winger Renée Slegers has been missing since Beth Mead’s summer departure to Manchester City. If both deals come off, Arsenal’s front line will look unrecognisable.

Selina Cerci: Elite Goals, Zero Fee

Cerci is the current Frauen-Bundesliga top scorer, having registered 16 goals in 21 league games this season. The 25-year-old Germany international leaves Hoffenheim as a free agent having scored 34 goals in 46 appearances during her spell there, including winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot.

Arsenal also lead separate negotiations for Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle and Géraldine Reuteler, all of whom are similarly available without transfer fees.

Lisa Baum: Europe’s Most Wanted Teenager

Baum recorded 6 goals and 2 assists in 2,114 Bundesliga minutes during her debut top-flight campaign for RB Leipzig at just 19. Barcelona, Lyon, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and London City Lionesses have all shown interest, but Arsenal are reported to lead the race for the Tanzania-born winger, who developed through Hamburger SV before joining Leipzig on a free transfer last summer.

Baum’s greatest strength is her directness and ability to eliminate defenders one-on-one, comfortable on either foot and capable of creating and scoring from wide areas. Crucially, Slegers’ rotation-heavy approach with wide players means Baum would receive meaningful game time rather than languishing on the bench, addressing one concern that could push her toward rivals offering guaranteed starts.

If Arsenal secure both, they will have answered their two most pressing summer needs without spending a single penny on Cerci while investing in a generational talent in Bau.

Also read: Georgia Stanway Receives MBE From King Ahead of Arsenal Transfer From Bayern Munich

Georgia Stanway has been awarded an MBE from the King at Windsor Castle for services to Association Football, receiving the honour just days before completing her move to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old midfielder will join the Gunners on a free transfer from Bayern Munich when her contract expires at the start of July, representing a major addition to Arsenal’s midfield reshape.

Stanway’s recognition reflects her significant contributions to English football during a four year period that saw her help England win the 2022 and 2025 European Championships alongside reaching the 2023 World Cup final. The midfielder arrives at Arsenal as one of the women’s game’s highest profile players with extensive international experience.

Arsenal’s Midfield Succession Planning

The signing makes clear strategic sense for Arsenal at multiple levels. Stanway arrives at peak playing age, brings elite level experience and offers tactical versatility that modern midfields require. While primarily a box-to-box midfielder, she can also operate as a number ten or wide forward, providing flexibility across the middle and final third.

Her arrival provides important context for Kim Little’s future. The Arsenal captain recently signed a new deal but turns 35 soon, making careful minute management logical. Stanway fits clear succession planning rather than simply providing depth options.

Midfield Transformation Takes Shape

Arsenal’s midfield appears set for significant transformation with Geraldine Reuteler also expected to join. The potential reshaping around Reuteler, Mariona Caldentey and Stanway represents an excellent window for the Gunners, adding quality and experience alongside different tactical profiles.

The additions reflect a structured approach to midfield development rather than reactive recruitment.

Also read: Georgia Stanway Gives Update on Future, Post Bayern Munich Amidst Arsenal Rumours as England Midfielder Says She is Very Close to Announcing New Club

West Ham United have completed the signing of Spain international Laia Codina from Arsenal on a three year contract.

The 26 year old FIFA Women’s World Cup winner joins the Hammers as one of their most significant signings of the summer, strengthening the defensive unit under head coach Rita Guarino.

Codina arrives in east London with an extraordinary trophy cabinet accumulated across spells at Barcelona and Arsenal. The centre-back won multiple domestic titles, UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain, establishing herself as one of the most decorated defenders in the Women’s Super League.

Experience From Elite Clubs and International Success

The Spanish international spent three seasons at Arsenal, making 58 appearances across all competitions while helping the club win the Women’s League Cup, the Champions League and the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

Before her move to England, Codina developed through Barcelona’s renowned academy and won three Liga F titles and two Champions League trophies with the Catalan giants.

Her international credentials remain unmatched. During Spain’s triumphant 2023 World Cup campaign, Codina started every knockout match including the final against England while also scoring in the round-of-16 victory over Switzerland. Those experiences bring invaluable winning mentality to West Ham’s squad.

Codina Fills Defensive Leadership Void

The arrival comes at precisely the right moment as West Ham navigate significant defensive departures. The loss of Shelina Zadorsky particularly leaves a leadership vacuum, with Codina providing the experience and composure required at the highest level.

Guarino values defenders comfortable building attacks from deep and maintaining possession under pressure, qualities central to Codina’s development since her teenage years at Barcelona. Her combination of technical ability and defensive aggression aligns perfectly with the coach’s tactical philosophy.

Also read: West Ham Co Owner David Sullivan Hit With Secret Three Year Ban Amid Safeguarding Concerns