Arsenal Women have officially signed Canadian international striker Cloe Lacasse from Benfica. The 29-year-old forward has had an impressive career, scoring 102 goals in 131 games during her four years at Benfica. Lacasse has won three league titles, three Portuguese League Cups, and two Portuguese Super Cups with the Eagles. She was also named the Portuguese top-flight’s player of the year this season.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, “Cloe is a proven goalscorer and has shown her quality over a number of seasons in two European leagues as well as the Champions League. She will add a different dimension to our attacking game”. Lacasse is expected to bolster Arsenal’s forward line, which is also set to include England striker Alessia Russo, who is close to signing with the club when her contract at Manchester United expires.
Welcome the Arsenal family, @cloe_lacasse ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GQcQfIWN8N
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) June 29, 2023
Lacasse’s signing comes after months of speculation and negotiations between Arsenal and Benfica. The transfer is considered a record-breaking deal for Portuguese women’s football. Lacasse is excited to join Arsenal, saying, “I feel ready mentally and physically to be able to contribute here and win titles. This club has everything it takes to compete for the highest honours”.
In addition to her club success, Lacasse has represented the Canadian national team, making her debut in 2021 and scoring her first goal in October 2022. She has been named in the Canada squad for next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
