Aston Villa have signed Arsenal defender Noelle Maritz on a two-and-half-year deal.

Maritz, 28, will have the option to extend her stay in the Midlands for a further year as she continues her journey in the Women's Super League.

The Switzerland international joined the Gunners from Wolfsburg in July 2020 and turned out 92 times for the North Londoners.

Villa manager Carla Ward said: "We're delighted to welcome Noelle to the club.

"She comes with a wealth of experience at the highest level having played in the Champions League as well as winning trophies wherever she's been.

"It's a really important signing for us as we continue to develop.

"She will add quality and experience to an evolving backline and we're delighted she's chosen to continue her journey with us."

Villa have struggled in the WSL this season, winning just three of their 10 games so far after finishing fifth last term.

But the addition of Maritz is the first of what is likely to be several incomings this month.

The flying full-back was a Champions League winner during her time in Germany and she also won five Frauen-Bundesliga titles, four of them coming consecutively between 2017 and 2020.

Her only honour in England came in the form of a League Cup with Arsenal last March.

The Gunners penned their farewell to the defender on their club website, saying: "Everyone at the club would like to thank Noelle for her contribution here at Arsenal and wish her every success in the next chapter."