United States international Jenna Nighswonger has joined us on a permanent transfer.
The 24-year-old full-back joins us from US National Women’s Soccer League side Gotham FC.
Born in California, Jenna came through the college system with Florida State Seminoles, scoring 19 goals and providing 34 assists in 86 appearances as the Seminoles won the 2021 National Championship.
Jenna was drafted to Gotham FC in January 2023 and would go on to make 46 appearances and score four goals for the club, winning the NWSL Championship in 2023.
Jenna’s impressive breakout season in the NWSL was recognised as she received two NWSL Rookie of the Month awards, before being chosen as the 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
At international level, Jenna has won 18 caps for the United States Women’s National Team, scoring two goals along the way. She was part of the squad which lifted the Concacaf W Gold Cup in March 2024 and also won gold at the Paris Olympics last summer.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Jenna. “I’ve always wanted to play in England and joining such a historic 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.”
Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “Jenna has had a great trajectory in the game and we’re delighted to bring her to Arsenal. Despite being only 24, she plays with great maturity and presence and knows what it takes to compete to win on the biggest stages at both domestic and national team level. Jenna is an important addition to our squad and I’m looking forward to getting started together.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted to bring Jenna to the club and strengthen our squad in a key area going into an important second half of the season and beyond. Jenna has already won trophies with both club and country but has clear potential for future 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.”
Jenna will wear the number 22 jersey here at Arsenal.
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.