Arsenal agree loan deal for 18yo

Arsenal winger Vivienne Lia has joined Southampton Women on loan for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

The move comes days after the 18-year-old signed her first professional contract with the club.

Lia, who has been with Arsenal since the age of 14, made her senior debut in a 4-0 League Cup win over London City Lionesses last February. She has made two first-team appearances and featured in preseason matches against the A-League All-Stars Women and in Washington, D.C. last summer.

Southampton, currently competing in the Women’s Championship, is led by Arsenal legend Marieanne Spacey, who serves as the club’s technical director. The loan will give Lia the opportunity to gain consistent first-team minutes as part of her development.

Speaking earlier this week, Lia said: “To sign a professional contract at the club I’ve spent my whole life supporting is incredible. I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I’m delighted to be continuing my journey at Arsenal. Now I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, and I’m determined to take every opportunity to develop and grow.”

Arsenal Head of Player Development James Honeyman added: “We are extremely proud of Viv and her journey here at the club. Her dedication and commitment have allowed her to progress and gain valuable first-team experience. Viv has so much potential, and we will all be there alongside her to support her growth within the professional game.”

Lia is one of several Arsenal academy players making loan moves this month, with Freya Godfrey expected to join London City Lionesses and Laila Harbert also set for a loan move.

Meanwhile, midfielder Kathrine Kuhl is negotiating a transfer to Roma, per Il Romanista. The deal, reportedly worth €100,000, would set an Italian record.

Kuhl, who joined Arsenal in 2023, has played just seven WSL minutes this season and has been seeking a move since autumn. Roma outmanoeuvred Everton, who instead signed Hayley Ladd.

Kuhl’s absence from training suggests the transfer is imminent.