Arsenal to Sign Smith in World-Record Transfer

Arsenal have agreed to sign Canadian forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool for a world-record transfer fee exceeding £1 million, making her the first women's footballer to break the seven-figure barrier. Smith, 20, joined Liverpool just a year ago for £200,000 and was the club's top scorer last season, earning Player of the Season and Rising Star nominations. Arsenal's offer outbid rival suitors Chelsea and Lyon and surpasses the previous women's transfer record of $1.1 million paid by Chelsea for Naomi Girma. The transfer is still conditional on personal terms being finalized. Liverpool intend to reinvest the substantial fee into squad development and analytics, while Arsenal continue strengthening their squad with young talent after their Women's Champions League win. The move marks a transformative moment in women's football investment and ambition.