Source: Smith set for world-record Arsenal transfer

Arsenal is poised to make Olivia Smith the first women's footballer to command a £1 million ($1.4 million) transfer fee, according to an ESPN source. The 20-year-old Canada international would set a world record transfer upon her move from Liverpool, surpassing the previous $1.1 million record set by Chelsea's signing of Naomi Girma in January.

The deal remains subject to personal terms agreement, but Arsenal appears to have secured the highly sought-after forward after Liverpool rejected prior offers from both Chelsea and Lyon. Liverpool had turned down bids from these clubs before accepting Arsenal's record-breaking proposal.

This acquisition aligns with Arsenal's strategy to strengthen their squad following their Champions League victory while simultaneously reducing the team's average age. Smith, who joined Liverpool from Sporting CP last summer, earned Liverpool's 2024-25 Player of the Year honors after scoring nine goals across all competitions.

Should the transfer be finalized, Smith would become the second Liverpool player to join Arsenal this week, following Taylor Hinds' free transfer to the north London club.