Arsenal's Women's Super League title hopes have been boosted by the signing of Emily Fox.

The 25-year-old right-back arrives from North Carolina Courage and will strengthen a squad already boasting enviable depth.

With Jonas Eidevall's outfit three points behind WSL leaders Chelsea, a productive January transfer window was always likely to be important — so securing Fox's signature represents a statement of intent from the North Londoners.

We analyse what Fox can offer the Gunners ahead of their clash with Everton this afternoon.

Strong start

Fox looks like an upgrade at right-back for the Gunners, who have rotated versatile options Noelle Maritz — sold to Aston Villa earlier this month — and Katie McCabe in that position so far this season.

And with plenty of appearances for North Carolina Courage and Racing Louisville under her belt — as well as 39 caps for the United States — she adds valuable experience for a team on the hunt for trophies.

Boss Eidevall brought his new recruit straight into the starting XI for a debut in last weekend's FA Cup win over Watford.

And an accomplished first appearance suggests she has the technical ability to slot straight into her new side.

A typically modern full-back, Fox averaged 69.8 attempted passes per 90 with a completion rate of 85.3% in the National Women's Soccer League last year, as well as an impressive 2.8 progressive carries per 90.

Explosive option

Eidevall believes Fox will only improve as she becomes more accustomed to her surroundings.

He said: "I'm really excited to see what she [Fox] can do here in the team.

"I think she has a lot of attributes that make her a very strong full-back for us. She's good on the ball, she's comfortable with both her right and left foot, she can play wide and she can play inside the pitch.

"She has an explosiveness that comes in as a real key strength both to handle one-vs-one situations but also transition moments in the game.

"As always, when you're coming into a new team there's going to be a period of adaptation but I think so far she has settled in very well."

Early days

There will be some pressure to deliver immediately, with games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United to come in the next month.

But for Fox, the move to Arsenal represents an opportunity to take her career to a new level.

She 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."

With little margin for error in the title race, all eyes will be on her WSL bow as Arsenal host the Toffees at Meadow Park.