Arsenal sign Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams

Arsenal have signed Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams from Melbourne City.

Arsenal have not disclosed the length of the 32 year-old’s contract, but Williams, who has won 88 caps for the Matildas, becomes the club’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of fellow Australian Jess Catley earlier this month.

Williams has twice been named Australia's Women's Footballer of the Year and was part of the Australia squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Rio 2016 Olympics, in addition to featuring in her country’s squads for the past three World Cups. Spells in the US have seen her play for Houston Dash and Reign FC.

Australia’s first-choice goalkeeper will join up with international teammates Catley and forward Caitlin Foord, who became the fifth Australian to move to the Women’s Super League during the 2019/20 season when she signed for Arsenal in January 2020.

Williams told the club website: “To be given an opportunity to come over and play with some of the best players in the world is really exciting,” Williams told Arsenal.com. “I remember watching Arsenal as a young kid, so It’s amazing to be a part of this team. I can’t wait to meet all of my teammates.”

Head coach Joe Montemurro added: "This is another really important signing for us. With the wealth of experience that Lydia brings, she can help the younger players that we've got, but more importantly she's a big game player that will be solid and really contribute to the group."

French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin left the club in June after deciding not to renew her contract and losing her place to Manuela Zinsberger.