Versatile full-back Sophie Harwood sparked interest from top Women’s Super League academies after departing Southampton at the end of last season, but put pen to paper with Arsenal this week.

The England Under-17 international spoke to the Gooner Fanzine about her move to the Gunners, which drew a notable reaction from fans on social media.

How does it feel to be an Arsenal player?

“I think it’s great. Obviously playing for a big club in women’s football, it’s an honour to wear the badge and I’m very excited to get going.”

How did the move to Arsenal come about?

“I’ve been at Southampton for seven years and I loved it there. I’m so thankful for all the coaches. But I just felt like I needed a new challenge. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. Obviously Arsenal got in contact with me and I just thought it was the right move, so I’m happy I did it.”

How much of a step-up in level are you expecting?

“I’m injured at the minute so I haven’t been able to train yet. But obviously there are a lot of England players from the Under-17 team in the Arsenal squad. It’s definitely a step up but I feel ready for it.”

When did the injury happen?

“It was in February, a stress fracture in my foot which got discovered. It’s been a tough one but I’m hopefully nearly back and at the end of my recovery.”

What was it about Arsenal, as a club and academy, that convinced you to join?

“Arsenal are a big club but I wanted to go to the club that I felt would develop me the most and had a good pathway. I just think the coaches were really welcoming and the players, so I think it’s the right move for me.”

Former Southampton youngster Sophie Harwood has joined Arsenal’s academy pic.twitter.com/mcgj4twszT

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) July 17, 2024

Did you speak to any of your England teammates at Arsenal?

“I actually didn’t speak to any. I had to keep it top secret! But obviously when I could tell them it was great to let them know that I would be playing with them, and it will be nice to be linking up with my new teammates every week.”

Did you have interest from other clubs?

“There was interest from other clubs, so I was very thoughtful of my decision and wanted to choose the best club.”

Why did Arsenal stand out?

“I think what Arsenal are doing at the minute with academy players breaking through really inspired me to want to be an Arsenal player. Like I said, the coaches are really welcoming and I thought it’s the club for me!”

Players like Michelle Agyemang have shown that the path from academy to first team is there- that must be quite inspiring?

“I think being able to see the older players like Michelle, like Katie [Reid] being able to do it inspires you that you can do it as well. I think just looking up to them and thinking that could be me in a few years time is really inspiring.”

Are you looking forward to playing the Arsenal way in the academy? The first team’s style of football runs through the age groups.

“I think the football they play is very exciting, especially as a full-back. Their full-backs being high and attacking, that’s what I like. I think the style runs throughout the whole academy. As you progress hopefully from the Under-21s onto the first team you can take that style into the first team.”

You’ve proven to be versatile for club and country- what do you feel is your best position?

“At the minute, full-back. I’m quite comfortable on both sides. Obviously the Under-21 squad is a great group of players, there’s competition, but I think that’s good in terms of pushing each other to be the best players we can and push each other to hopefully reach that first team level.”

There was a big reaction from Arsenal fans on social media yesterday- how did that make you feel?

“I think the fans at Arsenal from what I have gauged seem great. I think obviously selling out the Emirates, the fanbase is great. It’s very nice receiving this welcome from Arsenal fans.”

What are your aims this season?

“At the minute I’m just trying to trust the process and focus on what I can do right now. But I think all of us in the Under-21s have that ambition to try and break through to the first team. That’s the next step we’re looking for. So I’m hoping if I can do the right thing, those chances will hopefully come and I’m trying to be as ready as possible for them.”