Lia Walti departs Arsenal ahead of WSL season after seven legendary years. Swiss midfielder Lia Walti has ended her long-term association with Arsenal, after seven years. She joined Italian champions Juventus on a permanent basis. With the departure, another era is over for the Gunners. Walti is leaving as one of the club’s most respected and decorated players.
A Midfield Maestro’s Legacy in North London
Walti, 32, joined Arsenal from German club Turbine Potsdam in July 2018. Moreover, she went on to make 183 appearances with the club. She established herself as a wonderful midfield player with technical elegance, tactical awareness and delivering passes with both feet. While at Arsenal, they won the Women’s Super League title, two League Cups, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She was an unused sub in the Champions League final against Barcelona. But had played an important part throughout the season.
Walti’s Heartfelt Message to the Club
A teary Walti said, “That was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to take.” She continued, “Arsenal is so much more than a football club to me. It became my home, my second family, my safe place”. It became my home, my second family, my safe place”. Clare Wheatley, Director of Womenโs Football, praised Walti as “one of the most talented midfielders of her generation”. She said Walti’s class and significance will be remembered for years in their recent history.
Juventus’s New Strategy: Walti to Anchor Reformed Midfield
Walti’s transfer to Juventus, reportedly worth โฌ100,000, includes a two-year deal that will run through 2027. The expectation is she will play in Juventus’s holding midfield position in a revamped 3-5-2 system, providing leadership and experience to Serie A. However, Walti’s exit creates a gap in the Arsenal midfield, and the club didn’t have much time to replace Walti on deadline day.
Arsenal’s Challenge
With Walti’s departure arriving right before Arsenal’s WSL opener against London City Lionesses, attention turns to the team’s potential for shifting and adjustment. Moreover, the Gunners have expanded attacking options by extending the contract of England striker Alessia Russo on a long-term agreement. Russo is coming off a WSL Golden Boot and Euros win with England and reiterated her desire to add more silverware to her collection at Arsenal.
A New Chapter in Turin for an Arsenal Legend
As Walti embarks on a new chapter in Turin, Arsenal supporters are also saying goodbye to a legend whose imprint remains in the club’s history. It is also comforting to note that with both club and country, Walti’s leadership will be sorely missed, but she will be embraced back to north London.
