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.