TRANSFER NEWS: Lia Wälti to leave Arsenal after 7 years

Lia made a total of 183 appearances for the club after arriving from German side Turbine Potsdam in July 2018.

Her time at the club has earned her the upmost respect from the players she has played with, coaches and fans, and is widely considered one of the best midfielders to have ever played for Arsenal. Her seven years in North London have been some of her most successful, leaving having won the Barclays Women’s Super League, two League Cups and most recently the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She was also recognised for her leadership skills and was part of the leadership team at Arsenal, often taking the captain’s armband on the pitch.

Her ability to play with both feet earned her the nickname ‘snake hips’ and a spot in the PFA Team of the Year in her debut season for the club.

Lia made her international debut for Switzerland in 2011 and has been capped 131 times. She has captained her country for the last three major tournaments, including the Women’s Euros 2025 which was held on her home soil. She has also been named Swiss Footballer of the Year twice, in 2021 and 2023.

In her official leaving video Lia said, “It’s funny when you create your home, your new family and your safe place, then you can’t obviously picture yourself somewhere else and I think that was really hard right now. Thank you to the fans, you made us feel unstoppable and thanks to everybody who supported me on that journey and thanks for everything, Arsenal.”