Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of France defender Élisa De Almeida from Paris Saint-Germain, adding an experienced and versatile centre-back to Renée Slegers’ squad.
The 28-year-old has been given the number five shirt and will join her new teammates immediately. Arsenal did not disclose the contract length or transfer fee, but De Almeida is understood to have signed a three-year deal. The fee has been reported at just over £500,000.
Her arrival strengthens an area in which Arsenal needed additional depth following Laia Codina’s summer departure and with Katie Reid still working her way back from the anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered last season.
Transfer snapshot
- Player: Élisa De Almeida
- Age: 28
- Position: Centre-back; can also play at right-back
- From: Paris Saint-Germain
- To: Arsenal
- Transfer: Permanent
- Contract: Three years, according to reports
- Transfer fee: Undisclosed by the clubs; reported to be just over £500,000
- Squad number: 5
- PSG record: 154 appearances and three goals
- International team: France
- France record: 52 senior appearances
Arsenal add experience to their defensive options
De Almeida leaves PSG after making 154 appearances and scoring three goals across five seasons with the French club. Primarily a centre-back, she is also capable of operating on the right side of the defence. Her mobility and comfort in possession give Slegers another option alongside Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley and Reid.
Arsenal’s summer recruitment has transformed several areas of the squad, but De Almeida brings a different profile from many of the club’s other additions. At 28, with extensive experience for PSG and France, she arrives ready to compete for senior minutes rather than solely as a longer-term development signing.
Slegers highlighted De Almeida’s composure, mobility and experience as the principal qualities she will bring to Arsenal’s defence. Director of women’s football Clare Wheatley also described De Almeida as a versatile centre-back who will strengthen Arsenal’s back line and increase the depth available for the new season.
Five seasons with Paris Saint-Germain
Born in Châtenay-Malabry, De Almeida made her senior debut for Paris FC at the age of 18 in 2016. She made 38 appearances before joining Montpellier in 2019. The defender played 31 times and scored three goals for Montpellier, with her performances earning her a senior France debut in October 2019.
De Almeida moved to Paris Saint-Germain in July 2021 and won the Coupe de France during her first season. She lifted the trophy for a second time in 2023/24 and became a regular part of a PSG side competing near the top of the Première Ligue and in the Women’s Champions League.
Her experience at that level should be valuable to an Arsenal team facing another demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions.
International experience with France
De Almeida has made 52 senior appearances for France and represented her country at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where Les Bleues reached the quarter-finals.
She was also part of the French squad that finished as runners-up in the 2024 UEFA Women’s Nations League. That international experience further strengthens an Arsenal group already containing players accustomed to competing in the latter stages of major tournaments.
De Almeida said Arsenal’s history of prominent French players had contributed to the appeal of moving to north London.
“I grew up watching Arsenal and seeing French players wear this jersey, so I’m proud to take this step,” she said.
More immediately, De Almeida arrives to compete for a position in a defence expected to challenge for major honours. Her availability across more than one defensive role should give Slegers greater flexibility when rotating her team or adjusting the back line for different opponents.
Source: Arsenal
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