Arsenal have recalled young forward Gio Queiroz from Women's Super League rivals Everton.
Queiroz, 19, was signed from Barcelona last September and immediately loaned to the Merseyside club, originally planning to stay there for the season. But Arsenal's plans have clearly shifted in the months since, with manager Jonas Eidevall losing Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema to season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
That sparked rumours that Arsenal would make a move in the January transfer window for a new forward to help their chase for trophies. But instead, they chosen to bring the highly-rated Queiroz back down to London after a four-month spell at the Blues.
In her time at Everton, Queiroz made a total of 11 appearances, scoring one goal. She spent last season on loan at Levante, scoring 11 goals in 31 appearances.
A statement from Arsenal read: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Gio back to the club and looks forward to seeing her in red and white soon."
Her recall comes on the same day that Arsenal missed out on rumoured transfer target Debinha, an international compatriot of Queiroz. The Brazilian superstar has instead chosen to sign for Kansas City Current and will remain stateside for the National Women's Soccer League 2023 season that begins in March, following a successful spell with North Carolina Courage.
Excitement had grown amongst supporters at the prospect of seeing a player who has scored 57 goals in 129 caps since her senior Brazil debut in 2011. But they will instead have to settle for the return of exciting youngster Queiroz.
A hip injury prevented restricted her minutes on the pitch at Everton, but she has gone straight back into training with the first team and is available for Sunday's London derby against Chelsea at the Emirates.
Queiroz made her senior debut for Madrid CFF at the age of just 15 in 2018, amassing 14 appearances with the side from the Spanish capital before sealing a switch to Catalan giants Barcelona in 2020. At international level, she was part of the Brazil team which won the 2022 Copa America title, alongside club teammate Rafaelle Souza.
The Brazilian is the third fresh face to arrive at Arsenal this month. The WSL title contenders signed talented midfielders Victoria Pelova and Kathrine Kuhl last week.
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