Arsenal boost forward ranks with Canada ace Cloe Lacasse joining club before Women’s World Cup

ARSENAL have boosted their options in attack by signing Canada international Cloe Lacasse.

The forward, 29, joins the Gunners on a permanent deal following a four-year spell at Portuguese side Benfica. 

GettyArsenal’s newest forward Cloe Lacasse has been included in Canada’s provisional squad for the World Cup[/caption]

Lacasse won eight trophies with her former club Benfica including three top-flight titlesGetty

Lacasse, who Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall describes as a “proven goalscorer” notched up 102 in 131 games for her former side. 

The length of her deal with the Gunners, who finished third in the WSL last season, has not been publicly disclosed by the club. 

Of her move to the WSL side, Lacasse said: “I feel ready mentally and physically to be able to contribute here and win titles.

“I feel that this club has everything it takes to compete for the highest honours. 

“I want to go to the next level and score goals here for Arsenal. I’m super excited and enthusiastic to get started here.”

Eidevall added: “Cloe is a proven goalscorer and has shown her quality over a number of seasons in two European leagues as well as the Champions League. 

“She will add a different dimension to our attacking game and I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Lacasse began her youth career in Canada before a move to the USA in 2011 to play college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes 

The forward later moved to Europe signing for Icelandic club IBV in 2015. 

She helped their team win the Icelandic League Cup and Women’s Football trophy in 2016 and 2017. 

And Lacasse would later lift eight trophies with Benfica from 2019 to this year including three top-flight titles in Portugal. 

GettyLacasse and her Canada team-mates are set to play England in a behind-closed-doors game on July 9[/caption]

Lacasse, who has 19 caps, has been named in Canada’s provisional squad for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July. 

Players in the group managed by Bev Priestman include five WSL aces including Chelsea duo Kadeisha Buchanan and Jessie Fleming. 

Priestman is set to name her final squad on July 9 five days ahead of a behind-closed-doors pre-tournament clash with England.