Former Arsenal star signs for Brighton

Former Arsenal star signs for Brighton The 33-year-old Switzerland captain returns to England after a short spell in Italy, bringing major WSL and European experience to Brighton. Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images Lia Walti has returned to the Women’s Super League after one season with Juventus , with the former Arsenal midfielder signing for Brighton for an undisclosed fee. The 33-year-old left Arsenal in September 2025, ending a hugely influential seven-year spell in north London. Arsenal sold Walti to Juventus for a reported fee of around €100,000, rising with add-ons, with the Switzerland captain signing a two-year deal through to 2027. Walti made 177 appearances for Arsenal (according to Brighton, 183 according to the BBC and Wikipedia ), winning the WSL , League Cup and Champions League , and was a firm favourite with supporters during a period in which her composure and intelligence made her central to the team’s midfield. Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Walti is believed to have wanted a return to England for personal reasons, and Brighton have now secured a player with significant domestic and European pedigree. Dario Vidosic , Brighton Women’s first-team coach, said of her arrival, “Lia is a huge addition to the team ahead of the new season. “She brings a similar leadership profile to the group as Fran Kirby – a huge amount of experience at the very top end of the game, with silverware to show for it. “Lia’s career speaks for itself and I am looking forward to seeing the impact she will have for us.” Walti’s international teammate, Géraldine Reuteler , 27, is expected to join the Gunners this summer.