Selina Cerci: Arsenal have signed the Hoffenheim striker on a free transfer

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of German striker Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old has spent his entire career in the Bundesliga and has scored 34 goals in 47 appearances for Hoffenheim, helping them finish fourth in 2025-26.

She has 20 caps for her country, scoring five goals, and will help fill the void left by Beth Meade’s departure to Women’s Super League champions Manchester City earlier this summer.

BBC Sport understands Searcy has signed a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

“It’s a great honor for me,” Cerci said. “It didn’t matter what other clubs were interested in me – I wanted to play for Arsenal.”

After starting her career with impressive spells at Werder Bremen and Turbine Potsdam, Cerci suffered a cruciate ligament injury in March 2022 which ruled her out of the Women’s Euros that year and the Women’s World Cup 12 months later.

A switch to Hoffenheim via FC Cologne followed and there he returned to form, scoring 16 goals twice to finish second in the top scorers list.

“She is a natural goalscorer with a proven record in the Bundesliga,” said Clare Wheatley, Arsenal’s director of women’s football. “We believe he is in a strong position to transition into English football.”

Last season, Cerci added to his assist game, providing a league-leading nine. That was enough for the joint-second most in the division alongside then-Arsenal teammate Georgia Stanway of Bayern Munich.

“(Selina) has impressive goalscoring numbers and brings good presence, physicality and intent going forward,” added boss Renee Slagers. “Coupled with his strong work ethic, we feel these qualities make him a great addition to our squad.”