Arsenal sign Swedish international Rosa Kafaji

Arsenal have announced the signing of Swedish international forward Rosa Kafaji on a permanent transfer from BK Häcken. The 21-year-old joins the Gunners on a long-term contract.

Expressing her excitement about joining Arsenal, Kafaji stated to the club's official site, "It feels amazing to join this club – I'm so happy to be here. I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas Eidevall and Clare Wheatley, and it just feels right to be at Arsenal."

"I’m hungry to keep growing, and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies. I can't wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters.” 

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall also commented on the acquisition: “Rosa is one of the most exciting young talents in the world, and I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years. She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age, and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.”

Rosa Kafaji, who was born in Stockholm on 5th July 2003, began her football journey with AIK Football, a club in her hometown. After rising through the ranks of the AIK academy, she made her senior debut at just 15 years old in 2019. During her time with AIK, she made 46 appearances and scored 19 goals.

In January 2022, Kafaji made the move to BK Häcken, where she continued her impressive form. She featured in 61 matches and found the back of the net 28 times.

Her standout performance came in the 2023/24 season when she emerged as Häcken’s top scorer with 15 goals. Her contributions were crucial in Häcken's UEFA Women’s Champions League run, where they defeated Real Madrid twice en route to the quarter-finals.

On the international stage, Kafaji made her senior debut for Sweden in October 2023 during the UEFA Women’s Nations League against Italy. To date, she has earned nine caps and scored one goal for her country.