Rosa Kafaji, at just age 21, is pinned as one of the most exciting young talents in the world. When she was just eight years old she started playing football, and after joining AIK before the 2015 season, she eventually made her A-team debut in 2019.

Arsenal announced the signing of Rosa Kafaji on August 13, 2024, capping off an impressive transfer window that also included the arrivals of Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and renowned trophy-winner Mariona Caldentey.

At just 17 years old at AIK in the Swedish League, Kafaji made an impressive 17 starts, appearing in 20 matches and scoring 3 goals. This performance earned her a move to BK Häcken, where, despite only playing 12 minutes in the 2022 season, she had a breakout year in 2023. At 19, she played in 26 matches, starting 24 and accumulating 2,000 minutes of playtime.

She netted 12 goals, provided 2 assists in the league, and played a pivotal role in Häcken’s Champions League campaign, starting all eight matches, scoring 4 goals, and assisting 1. In her final season at Häcken, she featured in 12 matches, starting 10 and scoring 5 goals (FBRef).

Kafaji is making her mark on the Sweden national team, where she's being utilised as an impact substitute on the wing to help break down defences. She has appeared in five European qualifier matches, accumulating 112 minutes of playtime.

Her standout moment came against England, where she showcased her talent on the big stage. Just two minutes after coming on, she played a crucial role in Sweden’s equaliser.

Rosa Kafaji is a promising young talent who brings much-needed creativity and versatility to Arsenal's midfield, particularly in the number 10 role, where the team has struggled to find consistency in recent seasons. With an impressive goal-scoring record, she could significantly boost Arsenal's attack, addressing the team's underperformance in expected goals (xG) last season.

Additionally, Kafaji's ability to take on defenders and dribble past opponents adds an exciting dimension to Arsenal's play, making her a valuable asset for the future.

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