Arsenal pull off late coup by signing Chelsea and Manchester Untied target Kyra Cooney-Cross

Arsenal have signed Australia World Cup star Kyra Cooney-Cross on a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old played all seven matches at the Women’s World Cup as the Matildas finished fourth.

Cooney-Cross played against England in the World Cup semi-finalGetty

The highly talented midfielder has already played 39 times for her country and has won two trophies for Melbourne Victory in Australia and one in Sweden at Hammarby IF.

Cooney-Cross was set to become a free agent in January, with Chelsea and Manchester United both ready to pounce.

However, the Gunners announced that she had signed from the Swedish side late on Monday night, moments before the transfer window closed.

“I’m so excited to join this club,” Cooney-Cross said.

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium in front of a big crowd for our first game there this season. I can’t wait to get started and help us achieve something big together.”

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall told the club’s official website she will be an ‘excellent addition’ to the club’s midfield.

He said: “Kyra is one of the best young players in world football and we are delighted to have brought her to Arsenal.

“Her passing ability and explosiveness allow her to affect games in a way you rarely see from such a young player.”

Arsenal kick off their Women’s Super League season against Liverpool on October 1.