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…
