Gunners make late swoop for Australia star Cooney-Cross
Arsenal made a late move to bolster Jonas Eidevall's squad by snapping up Kyra Cooney-Cross from Swedish side Hammarby.
And the Australia international is excited by the challenge ahead as the Gunners prepare to battle for Women's Super League glory.
Cooney-Cross, 21, said: "I'm so excited to join this club. Arsenal just felt right as soon as I heard about the interest.
"I'm really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at the Emirates in front of a big crowd for our first game there this season.
"I can't wait to get started and help us achieve something big together."
The midfielder, who will wear No32, completed her switch before the WSL transfer window slammed shut last night.
And her arrival is the perfect boost for Eidevall's troops following their failure to reach the Champions League group stage.
Cooney-Cross has been capped 39 times by the Matildas and was a key figure as they reached the World Cup semi-finals on home soil during the summer.
Speaking to the club's official website, Gunners boss Eidevall said: "Kyra is one of the best young players in world football and we are delighted to have brought her to Arsenal.
"Her passing ability and explosiveness allow her to affect games in a way you rarely see from such a young player.
"We firmly believe she will be an excellent addition to our midfield, now and in the future."
Head of women's football Clare Wheatley added: "We are so pleased to have brought Kyra to our club.
"At the age of 21, she already has impressive experience at domestic and international level and we believe she has huge potential for future development.
"Together with our supporters, we welcome Kyra to the Arsenal family and look forward to seeing her play in the red and white."
Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in their opening WSL fixture on October 1.