Arsenal Women sign Oxford United defender Cecily Wellesley-Smith

25th June 2025 Oliver Taliku

Arsenal Women have signed Oxford United youngster Cecily Wellesley-Smith, with the 18-year-old fulfilling her lifelong dream with a first professional contract.

Cecily Wellesley-Smith was one of Oxford United’s brightest prospects and it is no surprise to see the defender earn a move to the WSL this summer.

It was Arsenal Women who secured the services of the talented teenager and after spending the season on loan in North London last year she will already feel at home.

Arsenal signed Wellesley-Smith to their youth academy on a trial in 2024/25 and after winning the PGA League Under-21 Division One title in her only campaign, the Gunners were keen to make a permanent move.

Cecily’s contract last season allowed her to play for Oxford in the Women’s National League South, where she made 16 appearances alongside representing Arsenal in a breakout campaign.

As well as impressing in the lower division’s with Oxford, the defender has also become a regular feature in England’s youth setup with appearances for the under-17’s at various tournaments.

Wellesley-Smith is unlikely to be the last signing Arsenal completes this summer, with Chloe Kelly another name to monitor closely throughout the transfer window.

Cecily Wellesley-Smith signs first professional contract

Speaking after the move to Arsenal was completed, Cecily Wellesley-Smith said: “I’m so proud to sign my first professional contract with Arsenal.

“During my time here so far, I’ve loved learning from some of the best players and staff in the game and gaining an understanding of what it means to represent this great club. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard in order to keep progressing and building as I begin my journey in the professional game.”

The Oxford manager held nothing against her defender as she moved away from the U’s, with Gemma Sims saying: “We are all very proud of Cecily. I am sure that every coach and player who has been part of Cecily’s journey here at Oxford United will be really pleased for her and wish her all the best.

“She has always been a humble and hard-working athlete, and I’ve no doubt that she will continue to develop and reach her potential.”

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About Oliver Taliku 159 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.