Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of Sweden defender Amanda Ilestedt on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain Women.
The 30-year-old has become the Gunners' first signing of the summer window and reinforces Jonas Eidevall's backline following the exit of Rafaelle Souza.
"I'm really excited and happy to be here," Ilestedt told arsenal.com after signing her contract. "My goal is to win titles and this is a great club with great players and fantastic facilities, so I believe this is the right place for me to achieve that.
"There is a real sense of momentum around this club and the support has been wonderful – I can't wait to walk out onto the pitch in the Arsenal kit."
Ilestedt departs PSG having claimed one Coupe de France feminine title in her two-year spell, prior to which she scored five goals in 32 games for Bayern Munich between 2019 and 2021.
The centre-back played a key role in Bayern's run to the 2020-21 Frauen Bundesliga title, and she has also represented Turbine Potsdam and Rosengard during her career, briefly working under Eidevall during her eight years with the latter.
Welcome to north London, @amandailestedt 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YcXQekaicY
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) June 27, 2023
Ilestedt won five Damallsvenskan crowns with Rosengard between 2010 and 2015, as well as clinching one Svenska Cupen and three Svenska Supercupen titles in her homeland.
"I'm delighted that Amanda has joined us here at Arsenal," Eidevall added. "She brings extensive international experience and I believe she has a great mix of presence and technical ability, making her an ideal fit for our squad. I enjoyed working with Amanda during our time in Sweden and am looking forward to coaching her here at Arsenal too."
Finally, Head of Women's Football Clare Wheatley said: "Amanda is an experienced international defender in her peak years, so we are very pleased to have brought her to Arsenal.
"She has a proven track record in domestic, European and international football and we believe she will strengthen our squad in a key area as we look ahead to the new season."
A 64-cap Sweden international, Ilestedt won the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship with her nation in 2012 and has since achieved some notable results with the Scandinavian outfit at senior level.
As well as helping Sweden to a third-placed finish at the 2019 World Cup, Ilestedt won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and was a part of their Algarve Cup-winning team in 2018.
Following Ilestedt's arrival, Arsenal are expected to intensify their efforts to sign England striker Alessia Russo, who is believed to be on the brink of a move to the Gunners after Manchester United confirmed that she would be leaving upon the expiration of her contract this month.
