Kafaji leaves Arsenal in permanent transfer

Signed as one of Europe’s brightest young attackers, Kafaji leaves after struggling to establish herself and spending last season out on loan.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Arsenal have confirmed the permanent departure of Rosa Kafaji, with the Swedish forward joining London City Lionesses after two years in north London.

Kafaji arrived from Häcken in August 2024 as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents, becoming Arsenal’s third signing of that summer transfer window.

The club handed her the number 16 shirt after paying around 2.5 million SEK (€220,000).

Despite her reputation, Kafaji struggled to establish herself following the arrival of Renee Slegers as head coach.

She spent last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old will now continue her career with London City Lionesses, although it is not clear how much Arsenal have received for the transfer.

Kafaji said: “It’s an independent club, which is very exciting. It’s going to be great to have some familiar faces, of course, Freya (Godfrey) I haven’t seen in a long time, I’ve missed her, and Kosse (Asllani) is a very caring person, so they will make it much easier for me to come into.”

Although Kafaji’s time at Arsenal did not develop as many had hoped, the move offers the forward the opportunity for a fresh start, while Arsenal continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season