Jenna Nighswonger joins Arsenal from Gotham FC

Photo credit: Arsenal FC

Jenna Nighswonger has joined Arsenal from NWSL side Gotham FC on a permanent transfer.  

Nighswonger was drafted to Gotham FC in January 2023. During her time in New York, she made 46 appearances and scored 4 goals, helping her team to win the NWSL Championship in 2023.

Individually, she was recognised for two NWSL Rookie of the Month awards and later won the 2023 Rookie of the Year award as well. Although primarily a left back, she is also able to play as a centre back and in midfield when she is needed.  

Towards the end of of the 2024 campaign, Nighswonger was struggling for minutes, and with her contract expiring at the end of the 2025 campaign, when November came around she would have become a free agent. Arsenal reached an agreement with the New York side and she will now wear the number 22 jersey for the Gunners. 

On the international stage, since making her debut appearance in 2023, Nighswonger now has 18 caps and has scored 2 goals. She was part of the CONCACAF Gold Cup squad in March 2024 and the 2024 Paris Olympics squad, where she became a gold medalist and featured in four out of six games.  

“I’ve always wanted to play in England and joining such a historical football club is a dream come true. I want to win trophies with this club and help the team in any way possible. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to call myself an Arsenal player and I can’t wait to get started.”

Said Jenna. 

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley says “Jenna has already won trophies with both club and country but has clear potential for further growth and development, so we’re confident she will make a great contribution here at Arsenal. I’m sure our wonderful supporters will join me in welcoming Jenna and her family to the club.”