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Aston Villa have signed United States women’s national team defender Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season.

The deal for Nighswonger, 25, includes an option to make the move permanent.

The left-sided defender joined Arsenal from Gotham FC in January 2025 for a fee of $100,000.

However, she has featured just six times since the move, and has played just once in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season.

“We have been tracking her (Nighswonger) for some time and are delighted that she has bought into our exciting project,” Villa’s director of women’s football Marisa Ewers said.

“This signing forms part of our growing ambitions as we continue to build an exciting and competitive squad, and we believe Jenna will add real quality to the group and support our goals moving forward.”

Nighswonger, a former National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) rookie of the year, has made 20 appearances for the USWNT since her senior debut in 2023. She was part of the squad that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but has not been included in Emma Hayes’ recent rosters.

Arsenal have strengthened in January with the addition of defender Smilla Holmberg from Swedish side Hammarby IF. The club announced on Friday head coach Renee Slegers had extended her contract until 2029 and appointed former England international Jodie Taylor as their new technical director.

Aston Villa are eighth in WSL and return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Charlotte Harpur is a women's sports writer, specialising in women's football for The Athletic UK. She has also previously covered Manchester United men's team and reported at major men's and women's football tournaments. Follow Charlotte on Twitter @charlotteharpur