Arsenal Add Eight New Signings in Push for First Title Since 2019; London City Make Major Moves

The 2026/27 Women's Super League (WSL) season kicks off on Friday night, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United. The transfer window closed on Thursday, and Arsenal signed eight new players with the aim of winning their first league title since 2019. London City also made major moves in the summer, including the signing of Alexia Putellas in what was described as the “biggest signing in league history.” Can they unexpectedly join the title race?

Arsenal: Eight new signings arrive, with target of first title since 2019

Arsenal were one of the biggest winners of this transfer window. Elisa De Almeida became the club's eighth new signing, with most of the additions arriving during the prime years of their careers. The club has high hopes for players including Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle and Geraldine Reuteler, as they target their first WSL title since 2019.

Sky Sports reporter Anton Toloui said: “If the answer to ‘who improved the most in this window?’ is not Arsenal or London City, then they need to speak with their recruitment teams.” New signings such as Stanway and Batlle are expected to raise the team's standards and help Arsenal overcome their previous obstacles.

London City: Big-money move for Putellas, aiming for more than sixth place

London City Lionesses have also made a significant summer investment, including the signing of the “biggest signing in league history” — Alexia Putellas. For London City, finishing sixth again after bringing in a group of high-profile signings would be unacceptable.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United: Defending champions keep key players, but reinforcements questioned

Manchester City successfully retained FWA Women's Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, but as defending champions, there are still questions over whether they have made enough signings to retain the title. Chelsea and Manchester United have also faced questions ahead of the new season: are they already strong enough to challenge for the championship? In comparison, West Ham and Tottenham have both had notable summers.