Another U.S. women’s national team defender is on the move to England. Arsenal Women are finalizing a deal for former NWSL rookie of the year Jenna Nighswonger from Gotham FC, according to sources briefed on the negotiations. Arsenal and Gotham have agreed to terms and a transfer fee of $100,000 for the outside back.
Gotham FC selected Nighswonger with the fourth pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and signed her to a three-year deal through the 2025 season.
The 24-year-old was a part of the USWNT Olympic roster last summer, after earning her first appearance with the team in December 2023. Nighswonger’s minutes at Gotham dipped in the latter half of the 2024 season, following the addition of Jess Carter and increased playing time for Mandy Freeman.
Gotham declined to comment and Arsenal has not yet responded to The Athletic’s request for comment.
Nighswonger’s move to England comes shortly after fellow defender Naomi Girma’s historic transfer to Chelsea for a $1.1 million transfer fee, made official on Sunday, as well as former NWSL MVP Kerolin’s move to Manchester City as a free agent. Kerolin was most recently with the North Carolina Courage.
Nighswonger is the latest in a series of departures from Gotham FC this offseason. Free agents Delanie Sheehan and Sam Hiatt opted for other NWSL teams. Lynn Biyendolo (née Williams) asked for a trade to the West Coast, and Gotham made it work with the Seattle Reign. Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan also requested a trade that landed her with Houston Dash. McCall Zerboni wasn’t earning significant minutes with the squad and departed the club for other opportunities.
Gotham has been active in replenishing their roster, signing multiple NCAA players in the post-draft era and adding Brazilian forward Gabi Portilho — but the team has not escaped scrutiny over the surprising amount of squad turnover.
For Arsenal, recruiting Nighswonger may initially come as a surprise to supporters, considering Katie McCabe’s standing at left back. However, the position needs attention after tweaks made by now-permanent head coach Renee Slegers.
Slegers has started natural left back Steph Catley at center back in 11 of her 13 games in charge due to the Australia international’s speed in defense and left-footed balance in possession.
Catley moving infield has left a space to be filled, which Nighswonger will be well placed to do. In the short-term McCabe, 29, will serve a two-match ban following her red card in the Women’s Super League (WSL) match against Chelsea, which could see Catley return to left back and Lotte Wubben-Moy step in at center back.
Nighswonger’s signing could also free McCabe to play higher upfield as she did earlier in her career.
Art de Roché provided additional reporting for this story.
(Photo: John Jones / Imagn Images)
