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Signing for the Gunners is the latest milestone in the forward's unique path, which could also soon take her to the 2023 Women's World Cup…

Cloe Lacasse, Arsenal’s latest summer signing, has not had a particularly straight-forward route to the top. Her arrival in north London, confirmed on Thursday, has become the latest chapter in what she herself describes as an "unorthodox" journey, one which has included five years in Iceland and an international debut at 28 years old.

“I definitely believe that everything happens for a reason,” she told GOAL back in 2021, having just received her first call-up for the soon-to-be Olympic champions, Canada. “I mean, hey, I'm meant to be here and that's why I'm here today and that's just my journey.

“It's a little bit unorthodox. I am proud of the steps I've taken. There's nothing I would change, to be honest. I'm happy with the route that my career is currently going and I'm excited to see what it has in store for me as well in the future.”

Fast-forward two years and Lacasse is now set to get her first taste of one of Europe's best leagues, after four excellent seasons with a newly-formed Benfica side saw her rack up a century of goals and win eight major honours. She could be at this summer's Women's World Cup, too, having been named to Canada's provisional squad.

The 29-year-old became a star in Portugal, one of the very best in the division, and had the chance to translate that form onto even bigger stages in both the Women’s Champions League and international football. Now, her task is to take it up another level as she joins the most successful club in the history of the women’s game in England.

So, who is Lacasse, what makes her story so different and what will she bring to Arsenal? GOAL introduces you to a player set to surprise the Women’s Super League…

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  Starting out in Iceland

  After a strong college career at the University of Iowa, Lacasse started her senior career in Iceland, a popular route for North American players to take and one that can often prove a springboard to a bigger European league.

  She won two major trophies and a number of individual awards during five years with IBV, scoring 54 goals in 79 league games. It was form that got her spotted by her now-agent, who is Portuguese. From there, an opportunity would arise with Benfica, a club that had only played one season at that point but had just won promotion to the top flight and had a very exciting project.

  “It was an opportunity I couldn't really say no to,” Lacasse told GOAL. “I'm just very ambitious. I knew that this was going to be a very positive step for my career, coming from Iceland. Iceland still has very talented players, but it's a smaller country with less visibility.

  “I knew coming [to Portugal] would give me the exposure that I was looking for to take even further steps and hopefully, next getting invited to a camp for Canada. Now, I believe that I do have that visibility and that exposure and I've proven myself to get that opportunity.” She wasn’t wrong…

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  Becoming a Benfica fan favourite

  With her hard-working and energetic style, one complemented by flair and a desire to drive at goal, it would not take long for Lacasse to endear herself to the Benfica faithful. She scored 23 goals in 15 games in her first season with the club to win the Golden Boot and fire Benfica into the Champions League.

  That wouldn’t prove to be a flash in the pan, either. Lacasse showed real consistency throughout her spell in Lisbon to score 102 goals in 131 games in all competitions, including 12 in 24 in Europe – quite the return for a team not at all established among the elite yet.

  Over time, she’d become a bigger character in the dressing room, too, even wearing the captain’s armband for the club.

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  International debut at 28

  Just as Lacasse had hoped, her performances for Benfica would catch the attention of Canada head coach Bev Priestman, and she was called into a senior camp for the first time back in April 2021.

  During her time with IBV, there were suggestions that the forward could declare for Iceland, but she has described that as a “misconception” around her desire to obtain Icelandic citizenship. Lacasse has, however, admitted that there were “mental struggles” that came with the long wait for a call from Canada.

  “I definitely thought about [Iceland] because every professional football player aspires to be on that international stage. Right? It's definitely something I had to think about,” she said but, in discussing her call-up for Canada, she added: “Patience is virtue.”

  That patience finally paid off two years ago. Lacasse wouldn’t make her debut during her first camp, but it would come before the year was out, at 28 years old, in a friendly against Mexico in November. She was even named Player of the Match.

  In the time since, she’s continued to grow into the national team environment – named to the CONCACAF Women’s Championship squad last summer, bagging her first goal in October of last year and making the provisional roster for this year’s Women’s World Cup.

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  Catching Arsenal's eye

  Playing Champions League football, winning international call-ups, it was all creating an even bigger buzz around Lacasse – one that was now expanding across Europe. In the group stages of the 2022-23 Champions League, a competition that is now extremely visible, only two players had more touches in the opposition box than the Canada forward. Those were Geyse of Barcelona and Ewa Pajor of Wolfsburg, players representing the two eventual finalists. In fact, only Pajor bettered Lacasse's return of five goals in the group stage.

  It’s no wonder that the rumours started to swirl around Lacasse and, in January, Arsenal came calling. The Gunners were suddenly depleted in the forward areas after ACL injuries to Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema and the 29-year-old was identified as a top target to bolster the attack.

  It would prove difficult to strike a deal with Benfica in the winter window but, as Lacasse would say, patience is a virtue. They’ve finally got their target now.

The midfield duo combined to break the deadlock at the Olympic Stadium as Xavi's side secured their first win of the season in La Liga

Pedri found the net late on to save Barcelona after a disappointing showing in their home opener against lowly Cadiz. After 80 dismal minutes, Barca came alive, scoring twice in the final 10 to edge their well-organised opponents at the Olympic Stadium, stealing a 2-0 win for their first La Liga win of the campaign.

Pedri should have put Barca ahead after 15 minutes, but put his header into the grateful arms of the goalkeeper as he looked to find Robert Lewandowski. Teenager Lamine Yamal also came close, seeing his shot wonderfully tipped around the post by Jeremias Ledesma from a tight angle on what was the 16-year-old's first professional start. Ledesma was at it again shortly after, denying Jules Kounde from close range.

Barca continued to attack after the break, as Gavi rattled the bar with a header while Lewandowski, who was poor on the day, squandered a chance from close range. Ez Abde forced another save out of the keeper, too.

And finally, the goal came. Ilkay Gundogan found the killer pass — a deft chip over two flailing Cadiz legs, and Pedri provided the finish, sliding in to slot the ball between Ledesma's legs. Ferran Torres added a decisive second in stoppage-time, running through on goal after Lewandowski's flick-on.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

  Made an impressive stop in the first half, had little to do otherwise.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Should have scored in the first half, and made a couple of defensive errors. The jury is still out, a year after his signature.

  Andreas Christensen (7/10)

  A solid showing from the only natural central defender in the XI. Needs to stay fit for a few weeks to keep Barca afloat.

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

  Started as an emergency centre-back, but stepped into the midfield in possession. Barca missed his zip in the middle of the park.

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  Midfield

  Lamine Yamal (8/10):

  Impressive in his first Barca start. Created chances aplenty, and was unfortunate not to grab a goal. His influence waned late on.

  Oriol Romeu (6/10):

  A solid presence in the middle, even if he was frustratingly slow on the ball at times.

  Ilkay Gundogan (8/10):

  Tried to increase the speed of play, but didn't get much help from anyone else. Produced a moment of magic to assist Pedri.

  Alejandro Balde (6/10)

  Effectively deployed as a left winger, but didn't always make the most of the more advanced positions he found himself in. Was double-teamed pretty much every time he touched the ball.

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  Attack

  Gavi (6/10):

  Feisty, full of legs, picked up a silly booking after the half-time whistle for dissent. Didn't offer much on the ball.

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  Uncharacteristically poor. Squandered a handful of half-chances, which he usually converts. Fired a free-kick into the wall, dropped too deep at times. He will improve, but this wasn't an encouraging one.

  Pedri (8/10):

  An all-too-rare source of creativity. Linked with Lewandowski well, but really should have scored in the first half. Redeemed himself by netting the winner.

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  Subs & Manager

  Ez Abde (7/10):

  Added a spark in the second half. Looks a good option off the bench.

  Ansu Fati (6/10):

  Forced to watch from the bench while Yamal impressed. Tried to do too much when introduced.

  Sergi Roberto (6/10):

  A cool head to see things out.

  Eric Garcia (N/A):

  Hardly touched the ball.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Bagged a goal so seal three points.

  Xavi (6/10):

  Made the bold call to start Yamal and played De Jong at centre-back. His team turned in a poor performance, but were saved by individual quality. He will take the three points and hope for better displays going forward.

Harry Kane has explained how David Beckham inspired him to leave Tottenham for a new challenge at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

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• Superstar striker bid farewell to Spurs
• Taken on new challenge outside of England
• Ex-Three Lions captain did likewise

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England captain has, following a record-breaking spell in north London, decided to go chasing trophies outside of his homeland. A £100 million ($126m) transfer deal has taken him away from his roots at Spurs and onto the books of the reigning German champions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There was a time when English players were reluctant to leave their Premier League comfort zone, but more and more are now spreading their wings. Manchester United legend David Beckham helped to set that trend back in 2003, when he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid, and Kane is delighted to be following the lead of a modern day icon.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Kane has told of the reasons for his switch to Bayern: “Maybe my journey here can be an inspiration for the younger [English] players to do the same and take that step. I remember David Beckham making the move from Manchester United to Real Madrid. I was a kid and I was like, 'Wow, what an amazing experience.' Maybe I took Beckham as an example. I always wanted to see a different league, a different atmosphere. So far everything is going very well: on and off the pitch. I admired Robert Lewandowski when he was a young player, he took a fantastic path and set incredible records. I want to reach his level, and maybe even better.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Kane has already scored three goals through two Bundesliga appearances for Bayern. He missed the chance to secure major silverware on his competitive debut, with a shock 3-0 defeat suffered at the hands of RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup.

Aston Villa and Castore are reportedly set to agree to the early termination of their contract following complaints over the club’s “wet-look” shirts.

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• Players complaining about 2023-24 shirt
• Short-term solution being sought
• Manufacturer change on the cards

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Players in the men’s and women’s ranks have expressed concerns over the 2023-24 kits. claims that talks are taking place regarding an amicable split between team and supplier at the end of this season. For now, Castore have vowed to “address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect” as criticism of their latest design for Villa rumbles on.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A solution is being worked on for the remainder of the current campaign, with it possible that changes could be made for the next round of fixtures – with Villa’s men’s team set to face Brighton on Saturday, while their women’s side are due to get their WSL campaign up and running against Manchester United on Sunday.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  A Castore spokesperson has said: “There has been some media speculation about a potential issue in the football kit supplied by Castore to Aston Villa Football Club. We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect. We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date. As a proud new British brand, we always hold ourselves to the highest of standards and strive to do everything we can to constantly improve the performance of our products. This means addressing any customer concerns with promptness and humility.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Villa players have complained of the 2023-24 jerseys feeling heavy and uncomfortable, as they become soaked in sweat and cling to the bodies of those having to wear them. Castore have recent history when it comes to seeing Premier League deals cut short, with Newcastle doing the same as they prepare to be reunited with adidas in 2024-25. Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris owns a stake in adidas, suggesting that they could also turn to the German sports manufacturing giants.

Wayne Rooney hopes his Birmingham team give his old friend Michael Carrick no reason to smile after their match against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

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• Rooney ready for first Birmingham match
• Faces Carrick's Middlesbrough in Championship
• New coach hopes for winning start

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rooney's first Championship match as Birmingham manager sees his side come up against a Middlesbrough team coached by his former Manchester United and England team-mate Carrick.

  The home side are 16th in the table but head into the game against Birmingham on a five-game winning run.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rooney has taken over a Birmingham team sitting sixth in the English second-tier and with two straight league wins under their belt.

  The ex-D.C. United coach is tasked with taking the club up to the Premier League and he will hope to get off to a good start by inflicting a defeat upon his good pal Carrick.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  "Michael is a good friend of mine and I will shake his hand before and after the game but I want to beat him," Rooney told reporters. "He will tell you the same. We have a lot of respect for each other but we are both winners. He is a very intelligent person. I spoke to him before he went to Middlesbrough last year, before he moved there. I felt it would be a really good challenge for him and he has done a really good job."

  He added: "I spoke to Michael last weekend. We are really good friends and so are our children. I played with him for many years and we lifted the FA Cup together as captain and vice-captain. They are special memories but I want to beat him. I don't want to see him smiling at 5pm on Saturday. But of course there is great respect and it would be nice to have a good chat after the game, whatever the result."

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  A win for Birmingham at Middlesbrough will strengthen their hold on a play-off place in the Championship.

James McClean has heaped praise on his Wrexham team-mate Paul Mullin and hit back at those who label the striker a tap-in merchant.

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• McClean praises team-mate Mullin
• Former Premier League winger joined Wrexham in August
• Mullin finding form after lung puncture

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McClean has been used to playing with Premier League-quality strikers during his career, but he has insisted that he rates Mullin very highly. The Republic of Ireland international only joined Wrexham in August, but has already struck up a good partnership with the 29-year-old striker. Last week he set up Mullin's equaliser before then scoring himself as Wrexham beat Port Vale in the EFL Trophy.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In 2021 Mullin gave up the chance to play in League One with Cambridge United in order to play for Wrexham in the National League. Last season he scored 38 goals in 46 league games as the club owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney secured promotion to League Two. Speaking to the Leader, former Premier League star McClean shared just how good he thinks Mullin is.

• WHAT JAMES MCCLEAN SAID

  McClean said: "I rate him [Mullin] very highly, his record speaks for itself. He is a striker who can score all different types of goals; he is not just someone who scores six-yard tap-ins. We are very lucky to have him."

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• MULLIN'S REMARKABLE RECOVERY

  Mullin suffered a punctured lung and four cracked ribs during Wrexham's pre-season tour in the United States, but McClean feels that the striker is almost back up to top speed. "It was a serious injury but he is probably up to full-match sharpness now," McClean said. "That's great for us because he is starting to get that goal tally up which is good to see so long may it continue."

David Beckham brutally mocked his wife Victoria's feet on Valentine's Day after the Spice Girl got injured in the gym.

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• Victoria Beckham suffers foot injury
• Husband David mocks her feet
• Contrasting posts on Valentine's Day

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earlier on Wednesday, Beckham initially thanked his wife for getting him the latest edition of The Country Smallholder magazine due to his new-found love of chickens, the 48-year-old then wished her a happy Valentine's Day on his Instagram story feed. However, shortly after seeing Victoria had complained about a foot injury she had suffered; instead of sympathising with her, the former England captain made fun of the 49-year-old.

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  WHAT DAVID BECKHAM SAID

  After Victoria posted an Instagram story of her foot under a bag of ice and captioned it, "Happy Valentine's Day to me… Fell over in the gym!!!!, followed by a facepalm emoji, David poked fun at his wife.

  He wrote: "How big is your toe? Wow. I never noticed that before," followed by the confused face emoji.

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  THE GOSSIP

  The world-famous couple have a history of ribbing one another on social media following decades of being with one another. The pair, who also posted old photos of each other over the years on Valentine's Day, are likely to continue this back and forth for some time.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Away from their relationship, David, who co-owns Inter Miami, will be focused on his team getting off to a good start in the 2024 MLS season next week. Miami are at home to Real Salt Lake on February 22, before facing the ex-winger's former team LA Galaxy four days later.

Jude Bellingham is quickly becoming the answer to all of Real Madrid’s problems, with the England star being backed to take on penalty duty.

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• Blancos struggling to convert from the spot
• CR7 & Ramos were reliable options
• Three Lions star becoming a key man

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blancos have missed all three of the spot-kicks that they have been awarded in the 2023-24 campaign, with Rodrygo, Joselu and Luka Modric fluffing their lines from 12 yards. Another passing of that baton may now be in the offing, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti unable to explain the struggles.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham would be an obvious man to turn to, with the 20-year-old midfielder having registered 16 goals through a stunning start to life at Santiago Bernabeu. He has been rewriting the history books in the Spanish capital, and could boost his tally even more were he to inherit penalty-taking responsibility.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Spanish media outlet have carried out a poll asking Real supporters who they want to step up next, with Bellingham topping that chart with 60 per cent of the vote – with Brazil international Rodrygo languishing a long way behind on 15 per cent.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  If Bellingham were to become the Blancos’ new penalty taker, then he would follow in the footsteps of club legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. Portuguese superstar Ronaldo converted 79 of the 92 penalties that he took for Real, while former skipper Ramos hit the net with 22 of his 23 efforts. Karim Benzema also boasted an impressive return of 32 goals from 37 spot-kicks, with Real having now missed 11 of their last 37.

Non-league side Croydon FC are claiming a Guinness World Record after seeing ex-Crystal Palace and Leeds star Ryan Hall score straight from kick-off.

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• Hall boasts Football League experience
• Tried his luck with first touch of the game
• Sent the ball looping over goalkeeper

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The London-based outfit currently ply their trade in the Southern Counties East League, with the two divisions at that level sitting on the ninth and 10th rungs of the league ladder in England. Ex-Three Lions star Kenny Sansom once graced their books, while Hall is another former professional to have headed for the Croydon Arena.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hall has competed at Football League level for the likes of Palace, Leeds, Southend, Sheffield United, MK Dons, Rotherham, Notts County and Luton. He was capped by the England C team in 2010 and is now 36 years of age.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  He may have landed himself a place in the history books, with Croydon looking for confirmation from official record keepers. They saw Hall score an outrageous goal direct from kick-off against Cockfosters FC, with the ball hitting the net 2.31 seconds after the whistle.

Mary Earps was "chuffed" to see Manchester United colleague Millie Turner finally making her England debut at 27.

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• Earps congratulated Turner
• Turner made her England debut at 27
• England thrashed Italy 5-1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  During a friendly between England and Italy on Tuesday, Turner finally made her international debut for the Lionesses as she was introduced into the game in the 80th minute in place of Alex Greenwood. United goalkeeper Earps was excited to see her clubmate making her England debut at the age of 27 as she congratulated her on social media.

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• WHAT MARY EARPS SAID

  Taking to Instagram, Earps uploaded a photograph of herself hugging Turner after the match and wrote in the caption: "Congratulations on your debut @MILLTURNER. So so so chuffed for you!"

  Mary Earps Instagram

  She also made an Instagram post sharing a series of photographs from the match with the caption: "Big win & big smiles."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After beating Austria in a nine-goal thriller last Saturday, Sarina Wiegman's side registered yet another thumping win over Italy as they beat them 5-1. Lotte Wubben-Moy opened the scoring for the Lionesses before Lauren Hemp's brace established a three-goal lead for her team within the first 34 minutes of the match. The other two goals were scored by Ella Toone and Rachel Daly in the second half. Michela Cambiaghi netted the consolation goal for the Italians.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The English players will now return to their respective clubs as Women's Super League action resumes on Saturday, with Manchester City taking on Everton. Earps and Turner are due back in action for Manchester United a day later at West Ham.