Who is Smilla Holmberg? Arsenal secure Swedish defender with long-term deal

5th January 2026 Oliver Taliku

Arsenal have landed their first transfer of the January window, with the Gunners agreeing to a long-term deal for Swedish full-back Smilla Holmberg.

The defender makes the move to North London for an undisclosed fee after spending her entire senior career in Sweden with Hammarby.

Who is Smilla Holmberg?

Arsenal’s newest signing is a highly rated defender from Sweden, but her talents are yet to be tested abroad.

Smilla Holmberg joined Hammarby when she was only seven years-old. The Swedish international made her way through the ranks with some speed and at just 15 she earned a senior debut.

After four seasons and 96 appearances with the senior team, Holmberg has finally been rewarded with her big move abroad.

Renee Slegers has been working on this deal for some time now, with Holmberg initially linked to Arsenal way back in October last year.

The teenager is an exciting talent and with Arsenal chasing down the leaders in the WSL, the January reinforcements will be welcomed with open arms.

Slegers seemed very excited over her new signing, who she expects a big future from: “We’re thrilled to welcome Smilla to the club. She’s a very talented young defender who brings versatility and athleticism, with so much potential for development. I’m looking forward to working with her as we aim for more trophies together.”

Holmberg is still only 19 but she has already broken into the Sweden national team. The defender played at Euro 2025 in the sumner, making three appearances as her nation reached the quarter-finals.

Smilla Holmberg: ‘Playing for Arsenal is a dream’

Arsenal’s latest signing has already completed her first interview and supporters will be keen to see Holmberg play after her high praise for the club.

“It’s always been my dream to play for Arsenal,” Holmberg said. “This is a very special moment for me and my family, but it’s also about joining a club with the highest standards and a strong winning culture.

“I’m excited to start this new chapter, to continue developing my game in a demanding environment and to compete at the highest level. My ambitions align with the club’s and I want to help win silverware here.”

Holmberg could be in line to make her debut as soon as Saturday when they face Manchester United as the WSL returns from winter break.

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About Oliver Taliku 476 Articles
Olly Taliku has worked with highly respected sports and gambling websites where he has produced hundreds of articles, as well as being published with Burton Albion and Chesterfield FC. At Burton Olly worked closely alongside the women's team, producing mainly matchday content including reports and interviews. He also has experience as an accredited Premier League and EFL writer for Prost International where he worked during the 2021/22 season to produce matchday content as an on location reporter. Olly specialises in women's football as well as long form SEO content plus news and tips. While he enjoys writing about all football, Olly supports Arsenal passionately as a lifelong fan of the club.