In a landmark week for women’s football, Chelsea and Arsenal have both made headlines with marquee signings and emphatic statements on the pitch, while newcomers London City Lionesses have signaled their intent to shake up the Women’s Super League (WSL) hierarchy. The transfer market has witnessed record-breaking deals, and the opening weekend fixtures have already delivered drama, ambition, and a glimpse into what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
On September 5, 2025, Chelsea confirmed the signing of U.S. international Alyssa Thompson from Angel City, sealing the deal for a reported fee of around 1 million pounds ($1.35 million) on a five-year contract. At just 20 years old, Thompson has already built an impressive resume: she was the first pick in the 2023 NWSL draft and made history as the league’s first high schooler to be drafted. Her meteoric rise has been punctuated by her six goals in 16 appearances for Angel City in the 2025 season alone, and a total of 15 goals in 69 appearances across all competitions for the club.
"Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world. Being able to play with players that are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age, and I want to learn, grow, and develop a lot," Thompson said upon her arrival in London. The excitement around her signing is palpable, and Chelsea’s head of women’s football, Paul Green, didn’t hold back in his praise: "She’s a dynamic winger with electric pace, who can play on either wing and is very good in one-on-one situations. Alyssa is one of the best and most exciting young players in the world, and we’re looking forward to seeing how she develops further during her time with Chelsea."
Thompson’s international pedigree is already established—since 2022, she has made 22 appearances for the U.S. national team, scoring three goals, and was part of the squad that traveled to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Her arrival at Kingsmeadow only adds to Chelsea’s formidable arsenal, a squad that has clinched six straight Women’s Super League titles and nine of the last eleven, cementing their status as the dominant force in English women’s football. With Thompson in their ranks, Chelsea’s ambitions show no sign of slowing down.
But Chelsea wasn’t the only club making waves in the transfer market. On the very same day, London City Lionesses shattered the world record for a women’s transfer fee by signing France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported 1.4 million pounds ($1.88 million). The Lionesses, newly promoted to the WSL, have made it clear they’re not content to simply make up the numbers—they’re here to compete. Their intent was on full display as they faced Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for their first-ever top-flight match.
The Lionesses’ ambitions were evident from the opening whistle. Under the guidance of manager Renee Slegers, they took a shock early lead against Arsenal, winning a penalty after Katie Reid fouled Kosovare Asllani. The resulting spot-kick was converted, sending a ripple of excitement through the visiting supporters and raising eyebrows across the league. For a brief moment, it seemed the Lionesses might script the perfect debut.
However, Arsenal, who themselves made headlines with the acquisition of Canada striker Olivia Smith from Liverpool for $1.3 million earlier in the summer, weren’t about to let the party last. Smith, the first million-pound women’s player for the Gunners, wasted little time justifying her price tag. Midway through the first half, she produced a dazzling solo goal to bring Arsenal level, electrifying the Emirates crowd and shifting the momentum decisively in the home side’s favor.
From that point on, Arsenal looked every bit the title contenders they aspire to be. England internationals Chloe Kelly, Victoria Pelova, and Alessia Russo began to carve open the Lionesses’ defense, creating a flurry of chances. Just before halftime, Russo teed up Kelly for a deserved goal, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw Arsenal continue to press, but London City Lionesses refused to go quietly. Rofiat Imuran’s cross nearly caught Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar off guard, clipping the woodwork and reminding everyone that the newcomers weren’t just making up the numbers. Yet, Arsenal’s depth and quality eventually told. Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum came off the bench to add their names to the scoresheet, sealing a 4-1 victory that sent a clear message to Chelsea and the rest of the league: the Gunners are ready to challenge for the crown.
Arsenal’s manager will no doubt be delighted with the performance of the new signings, particularly Olivia Smith, whose debut goal and relentless energy set the tone for the comeback. The chemistry between Smith, Kelly, Russo, and Beth Mead bodes well for a side determined to end Chelsea’s reign at the summit of English football. As for the Lionesses, despite the defeat, their early lead and fighting spirit suggest they’ll be no pushovers this season.
Elsewhere in the transfer market, the Orlando Pride made their own headlines by signing Mexico star Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres for $1.5 million, underscoring the escalating investment and ambition across the women’s game. The influx of international talent and record-breaking fees reflect a sport in the midst of rapid growth, with clubs now willing to spend big to secure the best players on the planet.
The Women’s Super League, already one of the most competitive and watched leagues globally, is poised for its most thrilling season yet. Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of silverware, Arsenal’s star-studded squad, and the bold ambitions of London City Lionesses promise high drama, unforgettable moments, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. With so much talent on display and the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect fireworks every weekend.
As the dust settles on a whirlwind opening week, one thing is clear: the landscape of women’s football in England—and indeed, worldwide—is changing fast. With record transfers, rising stars, and clubs dreaming bigger than ever, the 2025-26 Women’s Super League campaign is already shaping up to be a classic. The action is just getting started, and the race for the title looks wide open.
