da 888casino： Arsenal full-back Noelle Maritz has joined Aston Villa in a permanent deal to link up with her Swiss team-mate Alisha Lehmann in the Midlands.

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Maritz signs for Villa in permanent moveArsenal need to free up space in squadUSWNT defender Emily Fox set to join GunnersWHAT HAPPENED?

Maritz had struggled for game time this season in north London, starting just four of Arsenal's 10 Women's Super League fixtures so far. The Gunners' coach, Jonas Eidevall, has preferred to use Katie McCabe as a makeshift right-back throughout the campaign rather than turn to the Swiss international. Maritz will find a familiar face at Villa in Lehmann and the pair will be hoping their knowledge of playing together for the national team will help galvanise Villa away from the relegation places.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With their registration quota full, Arsenal needed to shift players first in order to sign some more. With Maritz departing, the Gunners are expected to sign United States international, Emily Fox. The Gunners have endured a rather mixed season, ending 2023 with an embarrassing defeat to Spurs that left them three points off leaders Chelsea. Eidevall will be hoping new signings can breathe life into what has been a somewhat stale season – but some ruthless decisions and departures may have to be made, including letting Maritz go.

DID YOU KNOW?

Maritz was born in California and eligible to play for the United States, but she moved to her ancestral Switzerland at 10 years old. The defender decided against playing for her nation of birth and has gone on to play 104 times for Switzerland.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MARITZ?

The Swiss star will be hoping to line up alongside Lehmann and make her debut for her new side in their FA Cup tie with Everton next weekend.