Transfer Profile: Lina Hurtig

Lina Hurtig

Transfer Profile: Lina Hurtig

By Alec McQuarrie

Arsenal Women have made their second signing of the summer after securing the services of HB Koge’s American goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese.

And their business hasn't stopped there, with Juventus’ Lina Hurtig on her way to North London, with a fee believed to be in the region of £125,000 agreed last week.

With Nikita Parris and Tobin Heath departing for Manchester United and OL Reign respectively, there was a sizeable gap in Arsenal’s attacking line up that needed filling.

But who is Hurtig and what will she bring to the club?

Who is she?

Hurtig started her career in the Swedish third division, making her senior debut at just 15 for Gustafs GoIF and scoring 14 goals in 20 games.

The young attacker turned heads of multiple Damallsvenskan teams, quickly earning a move to the top flight with Umeå IK.

It was during her time in northern Sweden that Hurtig made her international bow, in a friendly against Brazil in 2013.

The U19 European champion has been an integral part of her national team ever since, winning 58 caps and notching 19 goals.

More recently, Hurtig has excelled in an all-conquering Juventus side, winning two Serie A titles, including a league and cup double last season.

What will she bring to Arsenal?

The 26-year-old can play across the forward line, though preferring to operate centrally or on the left.

Standing at 5’11”, Hurtig is a threat in the air, both in scoring positions and when acting as a long ball target.

She also has a good understanding with international teammate and Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius, who will be looking for more minutes this year.

And despite being primarily right-footed, Hurtig is comfortable crossing or cutting back with her left when playing as a winger.

Verdict?

A versatile and experienced player, Hurtig will offer yet another threat to an Arsenal attack already stacked with talent.

Ballon D’Or nominees Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are now joined by a forward who is proven at international and Champions League level.

Hurtig might be the final piece of the jigsaw the Gunners need to wrestle the Super League back from Emma Hayes’ Chelsea.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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