Arsenal forward Vivienne Lia has joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
Forest head coach Carly Davies said in a statement that the 18-year-old had already shown her “tenacity, pace, power and trickery”, adding: “She brings exceptional 1v1 technical ability, maturity beyond her years, and a hunger to make an impact that aligns perfectly with the mentality we’ve been building at the club.
“Viv’s creative spark in the front line and her work rate off the ball will enhance our tactical options and strengthen squad depth as we continue pushing for success this season.”
“It feels great to have signed for the club,” added Lia. “I’m excited, and I think this is going to be a really big part of my development so I can’t wait to get started.”
Vivienne Lia’s career so far
Lia progressed through the Arsenal academy, joining at the age of 14 in 2021, and making her senior debut at the age of 17 when the Gunners featured in the quarter-finals of the Subway Women’s League Cup against London City Lionesses in February 2024.
She signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in January this year. Arsenal’s head of player development James Honeyman said then: “We are extremely proud of Viv and her journey here at the club. Despite only joining us four years ago, her dedication and commitment has allowed her to progress and gain valuable first-team experience, including a senior debut. Viv has so much potential and we will all be there alongside her to support her growth within the professional game.”
Director of women’s football Clare Wheatley was quoted as saying to the club website: “With Viv’s can-do attitude and determination to succeed, we’re confident she’ll continue to develop and grow as a professional footballer.”
Lia then spent a short-term loan deal at Southampton in what was then the Women’s Championship, making nine appearances as she helped them to an eighth-place finish in the second tier – one spot above local rivals Portsmouth.
Lia is an England youth international at under-17 and under-19 level, and was in the squad for last year’s European Under-19 Championship in Poland, scoring in the 10-0 defeat of Lithuania in the group stages.
Nottingham Forest’s preparation for WSL2
Nottingham Forest are new entrants to the second tier, now WSL2, and have made significant additions of experienced players to their squad this summer, including Scotland internationals Amy Rodgers and Kirsty Smith.
They face Newcastle United in their season opener this weekend at the City Ground, kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, 7th September.
