Lina Hurtig leaves Arsenal for Fiorentina in permanent move
Arsenal winger Lina Hurtig has made the move to Italy with Fiorentina, after signing a three-year deal to bring her stay in North London to an end. Operating in that context was always going to be difficult for the Swedish international, who signed from Juventus just last year, and injuries and stiff competition for places in Jonas Eidevall’s squad meant he was unable to nail down a regular starting berth.
Hurtig arrived at Arsenal with a glowing reputation, having won multiple titles in Sweden and Italy. Her natural game on the wings and the experience she brings on the international stage were something the Gunners could have been looking forward to in their frontline. Yet she appeared in only 30 games in all competitions in two seasons, showing up sporadically at crucial points but never fully becoming a fixture in the first-choice XI.
Hurtig, though, has struggled after a bright start, being plagued by continued fitness issues in the wake of flashes of excellence, such as contributions to Champions League and a wondergoal in the Women’s Super League. Arsenal, wanting to rejuvenate their attacking ranks, have opted to let her leave so that the 28-year-old can play week in, week out elsewhere. Fiorentina have secured her services until 2027, in the belief that she can make a difference to their Serie A bid.
Fiorentina bet on Hurtig’s resurgence as Arsenal reset forward line
Fiorentina’s acquisition of Lina Hurtig is ambitious and strategic in equal measure. To the Viola, an experienced and title-winning figure like Hurtig also adds attacking firepower and leadership in the dressing room. The club, which finished fourth in Serie A Femminile last season, is pushing to close the gap on Roma and Juventus, and sees Hurtig’s arrival as a statement of intent.
Sebastian de la Fuente, the coach, will use Hurtig on a wide attacking position, using her speed and power to take travel through space. The aerial threat and tactical nous of the Swede will also offer Fiorentina a different style on attack, one which the side missed in close contests last season.
For Arsenal, this transfer might open the way for young promises such as Stina Blackstenius and Cloé Lacasse, which are promising more consistency. The Gunners plan to refresh their squad in the build-up to the new WSL season and will likely make attacking additions, particularly as Beth Mead continues her return from long-term injury.
Letting Lina Hurtig go was not an easy decision, but it underlines the club’s transition towards a flexible and more physical frontline. Eidevall has long stressed the value of a high press and heavy rotation, and Hurtig’s minutes last season were somewhat restricted, suggesting a move is in the offing.
Author’s Opinion
This seems like the right decision for all parties. For Lina Hurtig, the move to Fiorentina is a chance to rejuvenate her club career with regular playing time and stability. She is still just 28 and has much to give, and in a league that accommodates her technical style, she could well flourish again. It’s also a return to familiar territory, as she was successful in Italy with Juventus.
And from Arsenal’s perspective, selling a player they didn’t view as a key part of their plans is a logical move. The club gets squad flexibility and also some scope for another signing that can make a bigger impact week in, week out. With a competitive WSL season ahead and European aspirations on the brain, roster spots are at a premium.
In the end, this transfer is a reflection of modern football pragmatism: if the fit is not quite perfect, then part ways with respect and let the growth happen somewhere else. Fiorentina might just be the stage where Lina Hurtig rediscovers her full potential.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
