Title challengers Arsenal snare Fox as first January signing

Emily Fox cannot wait to pull on an Arsenal shirt after joining the Women's Super league title challengers following a spell with North Carolina Courage. 

The United States international, 25, began her pro career with Racing Louisville before switching to North Carolina a year ago. 

But after 19 appearances for the National Women's Soccer League outfit, she is relishing the opportunity to test herself in England. 

Speaking to Arsenal.com, the right-back said: "It feels amazing to have signed here. 

"When I think of Arsenal, I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family. 

"I think of pushing the standards of football and especially in the women's game. 

"It's a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent this club and I'm excited to get started and play in front of our supporters."

Arsenal return to action after the winter break against Watford in the Women's FA Cup on Sunday before hosting Everton in the WSL six days later. 

And boss Jonas Eidevall is looking forward to seeing his new arrival in action. 

He said: "We're delighted to bring Emily to Arsenal and I'm sure our supporters will join me in welcoming her to our club. 

"Emily has shown impressive development over recent seasons and her strengths in both phases will make her an important addition to our squad. 

"At international level, the experience she's built up gives her an excellent foundation to make the transition to English football."

Clare Wheatley, Arsenal's director of women's football, added: "Emily is an experienced international defender and we are very pleased to have added her to our squad. 

"Having spent time tracking Emily's career to date, we believe she has all the tools to integrate into the environment here at Arsenal and make a big contribution to us achieving our goals."

Fox, who has been capped 39 times by her country, will wear the No2 shirt for the Gunners.