Some thoughts on the Sam Kerr signing now it's confirmed. This is undoubtedly a game changer for the WSL. It is almost certainly the biggest transfer in English women's football history (in terms of stature and expense).

There are spending caps in the WSL that make it difficult to just take on Lyon, even if clubs in England certainly have the cash to do so. Chelsea will, I imagine, have structured this deal very carefully. They were quiet during the summer, likely cos they were planning this deal

Arsenal, Chelsea and City have been outspending everyone for quite some time now. This deal effectively pushes the bar higher now and it looks as though Chelsea are throwing down a gauntlet with regards their intentions.

There is more sponsorship and TV money coming into the league now and I wouldn't be surprised if the spending caps were quietly lifted soon- as the salary cap originally in operation in the WSL was.

From an Arsenal perspective, this is a challenge that they will probably have to respond to. Back in 2014, they were caught on the hop by Chelsea and City's increased spending and briefly slipped behind both and Liverpool (before Liverpool gave up on their women's team again).

A few players- all now departed / retired- told me at that time that they considered their futures at Arsenal when Chelsea and City raised the bar. To their credit, Arsenal reacted and became very free spending and rapidly professionalised behind the scenes in response.

However, they won't want to risk being slow to react again. While I am not suggesting Arsenal panic and oscillate wildly, they will know Chelsea are tipping the nod that they are making a bid for domestic / European dominance.

It's a bit of a shot across the boughs for Arsenal and City, but mainly Chelsea's sights are set on Lyon I would imagine.

As @lgbtqfc said yesterday, being the best women's football team will probably set you back about £10m atm- chump's change for a club like Chelsea so long as the spending cap is lifted. Certainly more valuable to the 'brand' than a men's squad player who'd cost about the same.