Arsenal defender Anna Patten has re-joined the club’s Barclays Women’s Super League rivals Aston Villa on a season-long loan.
The Villans confirmed the news via a post on their official club website just a short time ago.
Patten initially joined Aston Villa on a half-season loan arrangement back in the January transfer window. The deal was cut short due to the player suffering a season-ending illness. Patten made eight appearances in all competitions for Carla Ward’s side.
It has today been reported that Patten is returning to the East Midlands for a second spell. Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is thought to have been strongly in favour of the deal with Patten being guaranteed the opportunity to play in her preferred position of centre-back at Aston Villa.
After completing her Aston Villa return, Patten said “I’m really excited to be extending my time at Aston Villa.
“The girls have been really welcoming since I got here and I feel like this club can help me grow as a player.”
Patten becomes Aston Villa boss Ward’s second signing of the summer transfer window. The Villans have also completed the signing of Northern Ireland international forward Simone Magill with that deal going through yesterday.