Arsenal Ladies have completed the signing of striker Jodie Taylor from Portland Thorns.
Birkenhead-born Taylor began her career playing for the U-16 team at Oldershaw School, Merseyside and Tranmere's reserve team, where she scored 109 goals in 125 games. She made her first team debut at the age of 15, scoring in a 5–1 win over Wolves in the FA Women's Cup fifth round. She scored 29 goals in 38 games for the club and joined Oregon State University on a four year scholarship after Tranmere were relegated.
Taylor has played in several countries including Sweden, United States, Canada, Australia and England for clubs like Tranmere Rovers, Boston Renegades, Ottawa Fury Women, Pali Blues, Melbourne Victory, Birmingham City, Göteborg. Sydney FC, Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC.
She made her international debut in August 2014 in England's 4-0 friendly win over Sweden. She scored a hat trick in a 3-0 group stage win over Australia at the 2015 Cyprus Cup and netted against Canada at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, helping England secure their first ever semi-final appearance. Taylor has five goals and eleven caps for her country till date.
Losa Happy
Arsenal boss Pedro Martinez Losa is no stranger to Taylor, having witnessed her rise when coached Washington Spirit for two years. He praised Taylor, saying that she was an "excellent player who has been at the top level for many years".
He believes that Taylor will be a "great addition to the team, because of [Taylor's] movement off the ball, [Taylor's] ability to work for the team and to score goals."
Losa also added that his new arrival is a "fantastic character" and is "pleased to welcome her to the club".
Busy Arsenal
Arsenal have been busy this transfer window, signing Dutch midfielder Danielle Van De Donk, England international Fara Williams, ex-LFC Ladies forward Asisat Oshoala and Josephine Henning. Key players like Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Carter, Vyan Sampson, Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey and Chloe Kelly have signed new deals as the Gunners look to mount a serious challenge for trophies this season.