Arsenal's domination of the English women's
game is set for a new challenge following the shock exits of Lianne
Sanderson and Anita Asante to Chelsea.
Striker Sanderson, 20, and midfielder Asante, 23, have joined
the Blues' growing band of internationals.
Newly appointed Blues boss Steve Jones has also recently moved
from Arsenal - where he was reserve team boss.
He said: "We've now got five England players and hopefully there
will be a couple more internationals coming in."
Jones added: "The women's team are starting to get good backing
from above and these fantastic signings show the intent the club
has got."
"These great signings (of Sanderson and Asante) will tell the
women's football world that this could be the place to come and
play your football."
Sanderson told BBC London 94.9: "It's going to be an exciting
year for both of us. "I've been at Arsenal for 12 years so
obviously it's a big step."
"But it looks like it's going in the right direction, and we're
hoping to come here and help them do that."
Both were also a part of the record breaking quadruple winning
side of 2006/07.
Chelsea suffered a traumatic season last year, with changes to
their management set-up and a disappointing final finish of 5th in
the Women's Premier League.