Spurs Women complete loan signing of Arsenal’s Emma Mitchell

Last week, Tottenham Hotspur Women lost one of their starters when midfielder Abigail Furness was recalled from her season-long loan at Spurs by Reading, only to see her then sign permanently with last-place Liverpool. Today, Tottenham may have signed her (temporary) replacement.

The club announced today that Spurs have secured the loan signing of Scottish international defender/midfielder Emma Mitchell from Arsenal until the end of the season.

Wait, a loan signing? From ARSENAL? What the what? Yep! Mitchell, 27, has made five appearances for the Gunners this season, and 19 last season. And while the idea of an Arsenal player going on loan to Tottenham is unthinkable in the men’s game, it’s a different world in the WSL — when you’re as good a team as Arsenal are, there are lots of quality, talented players that just don’t get the playing time they want. That gives loan opportunities to clubs like Spurs, who could use more players with top-flight experience as they continue to secure a decent table position in their first-ever WSL campaign.

Mitchell looks like she’s primarily a defender, but can also step up into a defensive midfield position, which could add some heft to Spurs’ defense, especially as they prepare to play Manchester City this Sunday. I have no idea if she’ll slot right into the starting XI, but this looks to be a pretty astute signing by co-managers Karen Hills and Juan Amoros.

Mitchell said she’s pleased to be joining Spurs for the rest of the season.

“I’m really pleased to be at the Club, it’s going to be a new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to being part of the squad and meeting the girls ahead of a big game against Manchester City on Sunday.

”After speaking to Karen and Juan, it felt like the best opportunity for me to come here and get some minutes under my belt which is a big focus for me in the new year and it will be nice to be part of helping the team get more points on the board.”

Mitchell is a full Scotland international player with 60 caps and seven goals to her name.