Cerci Boosts Arsenal Attack
Arsenal completes free transfer for Germany international Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim
Key Points
Cerci suffered a cruciate ligament injury in March 2022, which ruled her out of the Women's Euros in 2022 and the Women's World Cup in 2023.
Last season at Hoffenheim she contributed 16 league goals and nine assists, giving her the most league goal involvement in the Bundesliga that term.
The Germany international has 20 caps and five goals and was part of Germany’s squad at the previous European Championship.
Cerci has signed a two-year contract with Arsenal, with an option for a further 12 months, on a free transfer and becomes Arsenal’s second Frauen-Bundesliga signing this summer after Georgia Stanway.
Arsenal have signed Germany striker Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim on a free transfer, the club confirmed. The 26-year-old scored 34 goals in 47 appearances across two seasons at Hoffenheim, including 16 league goals and nine assists last season — the most goal involvements of any player in the Frauen-Bundesliga that term. The Guardian reported it is Arsenal's second signing from the German top flight this summer, following the arrival of Georgia Stanway.
Cerci has signed a two-year contract at Arsenal, with an option for a further 12 months. She will wear the No.29 shirt for the new WSL season, Arsenal News confirmed.
From Bundesliga Golden Boot to North London
Cerci won the Frauen-Bundesliga Golden Boot last season, making her one of the most sought-after free agents in women's football. Before joining Hoffenheim, she played for Werder Bremen, Turbine Potsdam and Bayern Munich, spending her entire career in Germany. Yahoo Sports noted that Hoffenheim finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season.
Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers praised the signing directly. She called Cerci "an instinctive, proven goalscorer" who brings "presence, physicality and forward intent." Slegers added that Cerci is "well placed" to make the step up to English football.
Injury Setback Kept Her From Two Major Tournaments
Cerci's rise has not been without setbacks. She suffered a cruciate ligament injury in March 2022. That injury ruled her out of both the Women's Euros in 2022 and the Women's World Cup in 2023, two of the biggest stages in the game. Her return to form at Hoffenheim was a strong one, capped by that record-breaking 2024-25 season.
Despite missing those tournaments, Cerci has still earned 20 caps for Germany and scored five international goals. She was part of Germany's squad at the previous European Championship and featured in recent European club competition too, according to The Guardian.
Arsenal Build a New-Look Attack for the WSL
Cerci is Arsenal's second Frauen-Bundesliga signing this summer. Georgia Stanway, the England international, arrived first. Both came on free transfers, giving Arsenal serious attacking firepower without transfer fees. The club is clearly targeting a stronger WSL title challenge next season.
Cerci said she is excited to join Arsenal and "compete against top players in one of the world's best leagues." Yahoo Sports described her as a "great addition" to the squad. With Stanway in midfield and Cerci leading the attack, Arsenal's front line looks sharper than it has in years.
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