Lia Walti has confirmed her Arsenal exit following seven years and 118 appearances with the Gunners.
The 32-year-old joined from German side Turbine Potsdam in 2018, and has gone on to become one of the most influential players for the Gunners over the past seven years.
She won the Women’s Super League title in her first season at the club, and leaves the Gunners after winning the Champions League in her final campaign in north London.
Walti is expected to announce the club she is moving to later on Thursday, ahead of today’s 11pm deadline.
The Swiss international has signed for Juventus, after links to the Italian side first emerged earlier this week.
Arsenal have posted an emotional video message, in which Walti talked about the ‘beautiful memories’ she has made at the Gunners.
What did Lia Walti say in her Arsenal exit video message?
Lia Walti in the video message confirming her Arsenal exit, described her upcoming move as one of the ‘hardest decisions’ she has made in her life.
She said: “Arsenal is so much more than just a football club for me, it became my home, my second family, my safe place, a place I always wanted to return to and all I have in my heart right now are just beautiful memories I will always keep with me.
“I think the most important thing for me is as well the friendships and the relationships I’ve created with the people because that means so much more than just playing football.”
The 32-year-old said it was an ‘easy choice’ to join the Gunners in 2018, and looks back at the moment ‘with a smile’.
As a player, person and steward of our club, there’s truly nobody like Lia Walti.
Across seven years and 183 appearances, we made history together.
Thank you for everything, Wally ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qQSenZoRLT
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 4, 2025
Walti leaves the Emirates Stadium after accomplishing her dream of winning the Champions League.
She said: “My biggest dream was to win it with Arsenal and it finally happened and now it actually was my last game at Arsenal so I think it couldn’t end any better.
“Of course, seven years is a really long time and they’re not just good moments, they’re always also tough moments and we all go away from our families and we build some really close relationships to people here and these are the people who help you go through moments which are tough. For me, as a person, I grew a lot.
“I will definitely be back here because there are a lot of people I still want to see but I think Arsenal always allowed me to be the person I am. I’m really sad to leave but it means it has been a place which I was really, really happy.”
Lia Walti’s Arsenal career
Lia Walti was signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2018 by former head coach Joe Montemurro.
She was part of the Women’s Super League winning squad of 2018-19 – the last time that Chelsea failed to win the title.
However, her campaign ended badly as she suffered a knee ligament injury on international duty in January 2019.
Since then, she has also helped Arsenal win the Women’s League Cup in 2023 and 2024.
Her biggest highlight game in her final game with the club, after Arsenal beat Barcelona to win the Women’s Champions League.
Walti was an unused substitute during the final but was able to enjoy the trophy lift with the team.
In her final season at the club, she made 33 appearances, 16 of which were off the bench.
She recently underwent a second abscess operation following a health scare last season which left her on life support.
Lia Walti is expected to join Juventus
Juventus Women confirmed the signing of Lia Walti on Thursday afternoon, after she announced her exit that morning.
Juventus are the defending champions in Italy and could meet Arsenal in the Champions League this season.
They start the defence of their league crown on October 5th against Sassuolo.
Arsenal meanwhile start their campaign against the London City Lionesses on Saturday, September 6th.
