Former VfL Wolfsburg goalie Anneke Borbe [Qianru Zhang/SPP]

STANDING at almost 5ft 11in, there’s no doubt that Anneke Borbe will prove to be one of Arsenal’s biggest signings this summer.

The German goalkeeper joined the Gunners this week as a free agent following the expiry of her contract with VfL Wolfsburg.

The 24-year-old made 15 appearances in all competitions for the German club, becoming their first-choice shot-stopper in February. Borbe will now add extra competition between the sticks for fellow Gunners goalies Daphne van Domselaar and Manuela Zinsberger.

Reflecting on what she will bring to Renee Slegers’ squad, Borbe told Arsenal’s official website: “My main strength, I think it’s obvious that I’m pretty tall, so dealing with crosses. I think that’s a strength, and I think playing football, just being a goalkeeper who plays the game.

“I think it’s getting really important to be good with your feet and be able to play football.”

Before making the move to north London, Borbe had spent all of her career in Germany.

Among the highlights was when she was named Player of the Season with Werder Bremen in 2022.

She said: “I played for Werder Bremen for a long time, like seven or eight years. Then I transferred to Wolfsburg for two years, then I played my first games in the Champions League, and now I’m here.”

Soaking in her new surroundings, Borbe added: “I’m really proud to join this amazing club. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to come and be a part of Arsenal at such an exciting time.

“I’m looking forward to getting down to work with my teammates and, of course, playing in front of our incredible supporters at the Emirates Stadium.

“My first impression is that it’s a big club. I’m realising it now, how big it is. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the girls.”

Arsenal head coach Slegers was clearly happy to bolster her squad ahead of the new season. She said: “We’re delighted to bring Anneke to the club. We’ve been impressed by her composure and aerial presence, and we believe she has a high ceiling for development here.

“We’re looking forward to working with Anneke in this next chapter of her career, and I know our supporters will join us in giving her a warm welcome.”

Arsenal’s director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, added: “Anneke is a young goalkeeper with significant potential and we’re very pleased to bring her to the club.

“She has excellent qualities and will further strengthen our goalkeeper unit ahead of next season.”