Barbora Votikova: Arsenal sign Czech keeper on loan for the rest of the season

Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Barbora Votikova on loan from Slavia Prague for the remainder of this season.

The 29-year-old has previously featured in the Women’s Super League, making six league appearances for Tottenham, including her debut against the Gunners.

The Czech international kept a clean sheet as Spurs beat Arsenal 1-0 in their first ever WSL victory in December 2023.

“It’s amazing to join this special club,” Votikova said.

“Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a special team and special fans, so it’s a huge honor for me to come here. It’s a dream of mine to play at the Emirates Stadium and I can’t wait to get started.”

She spent seven years with Slavia Prague between 2014 and 2021 before returning two years ago and winning a Czech league and cup double last season.

Votikova has made 56 appearances for the Czech Republic since her international debut in 2014.

“We are delighted to bring in an experienced goalkeeper in Barbora, who will provide additional cover and competition in our goalkeeping unit,” added Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers.

“We believe she is a great addition to strengthen our team for the remainder of this season.”

The Gunners replaced Votikova after their Austrian goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger was ruled out of the campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury she suffered in October last year.

Compatriot Anneke Borbe was also sent off on a stretcher during Arsenal’s Champions Cup final victory over Corinthians last weekend after a violent collision with teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Another goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar, has also been sidelined with a quad problem, with her last match coming in mid-November against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

She returned to the bench for the League Cup semi-final against Manchester United in January, but did not return to action until the 131st minute against Corinthians following Borbe’s injury.