Arsenal Break World Transfer Record with Bid for Liverpool’s Olivia Smith

Arsenal have agreed a world-record transfer fee exceeding £1 million with Liverpool for Canadian forward Olivia Smith, marking a groundbreaking move in women’s football.

The deal, which surpasses the previous £900,000 record Chelsea paid to acquire U.S. defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave earlier this year, is pending a medical and the finalisation of personal terms.

Smith, 20, made an instant impact in her debut Women’s Super League (WSL) season after arriving from Portuguese side Sporting CP last summer. She netted seven goals in 20 appearances for Liverpool, who reportedly paid just over £200,000 for her services — a club-record fee at the time.

Despite being under contract for several more seasons, Liverpool have opted to cash in on the highly-rated forward. The club, which finished seventh in the WSL last term, sees the transfer as an opportunity to reinvest significantly into the squad.

Smith, who has already earned 18 caps and scored four goals for Canada, will become the latest addition to an ambitious Arsenal squad. The Gunners recently secured the signing of winger Chloe Kelly on a free transfer from Manchester City and also brought in former Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds.

Meanwhile, Liverpool continue their search for a new head coach following the departure of Matt Beard in February. Former Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor is reportedly the frontrunner for the role.