Story byAston Villa sign Arsenal’s Nighswonger on loanWSL Full-TimeSat, January 10, 2026 at 11:45 AM UTC·1 min readAston Villa have completed the signing of Arsenal defender Jenna Nighswonger on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. The Villans announced the news via a post on their official club website this morning. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 25-year-old moves to Villa Park after spending the last year with Arsenal. Aston Villa have the option to buy the player in the summer. Nighswonger has found minutes hard to come by at Arsenal. The player did get to celebrate winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the club last May. The defender has also previously turned out for LA Galaxy OC and NJ/NY Gotham FC in the United States. On the international stage, Nighswonger has been capped by the United States on 20 occasions while she has scored two goals. After bringing Nighswonger to Aston Villa, the club’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers said “Everyone at Aston Villa is extremely excited to welcome Jenna to the club. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“We have been tracking her for some time and are delighted that she has bought into our exciting project.“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 is Aston Villa’s first January transfer window signing.