Arsenal sign Ajax & Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova

Arsenal have signed Ajax and Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova as they use January to strengthen ahead of the second half of the WSL season.

This is the second winter transfer window in a row in which the Gunners have made a statement signing, having recruited Stina Blackstenius and Rafaelle Souza 12 months ago.

Pelova, who was part of the Netherlands squad at Euro 2022, arrives to bolster the squad shortly after the departure of long-serving fan favourite Jordan Nobbs.

The 23-year-old is considered one of the top up and coming European talents and also has some Champions League experience from her time in Amsterdam – she actually played 180 minutes against Arsenal in a two-legged Champions League qualifier in September.

Arsenal have had a strong recent history of recruiting Dutch players, with Vivianne Miedema consistently one of the best players in the world since signing with the Gunners.

Danielle van de Donk, Dominique Janssen and Jill Roord have also turned out for the club.

Arsenal went into the WSL winter break second in the table, trailing reigning champions and leaders Chelsea by three points – with a game in hand – ahead of a crunch early title showdown against the Blues when games resume on 15 January.