Toronto FC set to strengthen defense with the imminent arrival of Zane Monlouis
Toronto FC is on the verge of securing the signing of Zane Monlouis, captain of Arsenal’s U-21 team, to bolster its defense ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. According to a source close to the negotiations, an official announcement is imminent.
2/19/20251 min read
A defender with international experience
Monlouis, 21, is an English center-back with experience in England’s youth national teams, having represented the country at the U-15 and U-17 levels. However, he is also eligible to play for Jamaica and was called up to the Reggae Boyz U-23 squad in March of last year.
Developed in Arsenal’s youth system since 2012, the defender signed his first professional contract with the Gunners in October 2020. Last season, he had a short loan stint with Reading in League One before returning to London. In October 2024, he was named to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad for a UEFA Champions League group-stage match, although he did not make his debut.
Monlouis’ arrival aligns with the plan of general manager Jason Hernandez, who identified a forward, a midfielder, and a center-back as key targets for this transfer window.
Last week, Toronto FC secured the loan signing of Norwegian forward Ola Brynhildsen from FC Midtjylland, with an option to buy at the end of the season. The club also brought in Canadian winger Theo Corbeanu on loan from LaLiga side Granada CF.
With preseason camp wrapping up in Florida, Robin Fraser’s squad is making final adjustments before their MLS season opener next Saturday against D.C. United. After four consecutive years without a playoff appearance, Toronto FC is aiming to make a strong statement in 2025 with a revamped squad and key new signings.