Arsenal’s new German striker aims to fire WSL ambitions

Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of German striker Selina Cerci from TSG Hoffenheim, adding one of Europe’s most prolific goal-scorers to their attack ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign.

The 26-year-old arrives after two exceptional seasons in the Frauen-Bundesliga, where she scored 34 goals in 47 appearances and established herself as one of the league’s most clinical forwards. Across the past two league seasons, Cerci managed to find the net 32 times and contributed nine assists, underlining her status as a consistent and decisive finisher.

Cerci finished as the Bundesliga’s joint top scorer in 2024/25 before leading the league again in overall goal contributions, demonstrating her ability to impact games in multiple ways. Her arrival in North London follows a career path that has seen her progress through clubs including Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, Turbine Potsdam and FC Köln.

Born in Kiel, Germany, Cerci’s football journey began at local club SV Friedrichsort before progressing through the youth ranks at Holstein Kiel and Magdeburger FFC. She moved to Bayern Munich in 2017, where she immediately impressed with the club’s second team by scoring 15 goals in 22 league matches.

Comfortable leading the line or operating in wider attacking positions, Cerci is known for her intelligent movement, aerial ability and instinctive finishing inside the penalty area. Arsenal Director Clare Wheatley believes her goalscoring pedigree makes her an ideal addition to the squad. “Selina has consistently demonstrated her quality as a goalscorer in the Frauen-Bundesliga, and we’re delighted to bring her to Arsenal. We believe she has all the attributes to make a successful transition to the Women’s Super League,” Wheatley said.

Head coach Renée Slegers echoed that sentiment, highlighting Cerci’s physical presence and team ethos. “Selina’s record speaks for itself. She has a real eye for goal, offers physicality and presence in the final third, and works tirelessly for the team. Those qualities make her an excellent fit for the way we want to play,” Slegers said.

Cerci will wear the No.29 shirt as she begins the next chapter of her career at Emirates Stadium. Her signing comes amid Arsenal’s preparations to compete on multiple fronts this season, including the Women’s Super League and UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The German international has already made 20 senior appearances for Germany, scoring five goals, and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Her resurgence at Hoffenheim after an ACL injury in 2022 has further cemented her reputation as a resilient and high-impact player.