Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of German international striker Selina Cerci on a permanent deal, adding another direct final-third option to Renée Slegers’ squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Arsenal announced the move on Monday, with Cerci arriving after an outstanding spell at TSG Hoffenheim. The German forward said it was “the right moment” to join the club, while Slegers described her as a player who adds “goals, movement and intensity” to Arsenal’s attack.
The numbers explain the move. Hoffenheim confirmed that Cerci scored 34 goals in 46 competitive appearances during her two seasons with the club. Sky Sport Germany reported in May that she would leave at the end of her contract, with Arsenal already among the clubs linked.
Arsenal have not simply added another squad body. They have recruited a penalty-box forward with repeat evidence of high-volume scoring in Germany. After Georgia Stanway’s arrival strengthened midfield, Cerci gives Slegers another specialist attacker to rotate around Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord.
Slegers Gets Another Proven Box Threat
The tactical appeal is clear. Cerci is at her best attacking space early, finishing first-time chances and forcing centre-backs to defend facing their own goal. Arsenal will again expect long spells of territory at Emirates Stadium and Meadow Park, so adding another forward with sharp penalty-box instincts gives Slegers more variety against deep blocks.
Read Arsenal had already covered Arsenal’s pursuit of Cerci and Lisa Baum as part of a wider attacking reset. The completed deal now changes the conversation from recruitment possibility to squad management reality.
Minutes, combinations and role clarity become the next tests. Cerci arrives with goals behind her, a point to prove in England and the profile to make Arsenal’s attack less predictable.
