- Miedema to leave Arsenal this summer
- Star forward is the WSL’s all-time top goal-scorer
- Lyon & Barca previously linked with her
WHAT HAPPENED?
Miedema joined the English side from Bayern Munich back in 2017 and has been incredibly prolific in the time since, becoming the Women’s Super League’s all-time top goal-scorer. She will depart Arsenal with a record of 125 goals and 50 assists in 172 appearances in all competitions, having helped the club win the WSL and three Continental Cups.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This season has been a difficult one for Miedema though, owing to an ACL injury she sustained in December 2022. The 27-year-old had to have a second knee surgery in March, despite returning to action in October, and has only made 13 appearances as a result. That said, she will not be short of suitors this summer as she is among the most dangerous forwards in the game.
WHAT MIEDEMA SAID
“After seven special years, it’s time for my Arsenal journey to come to an end,” Miedema said. “To have represented a club like this with so much history and and tradition has been an absolute honour, so above all else I’d like to say thank you for making this chapter of my life so memorable. In football you never know quite how long you’ll be somewhere You’ve got to enjoy each moment as it comes. But early on at Arsenal I knew this was the place for me to grow and challenge myself as a player and as a person too.
“I’ve never cared much about personal accolades, but being able to help the team and and scoring goals in an Arsenal shirt has always been something I’m very proud of. The last two seasons have been tough for me with injury and missing two cup finals, but this is a team sport and we’ve all got our own roles to play. I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of my team-mates and friends, and out of all my goals at Arsenal, my first one back against Liverpool stands out for that very reason.
“It’s always been an honour to represent the Arsenal, and it’s been a pleasure to play with many talented players, ex-team-mates and fellow Dutchies. Without all these amazing team-mates and of course, you, the fans, my story here wouldn’t have been as special as it was. So thank you for everything Arsenal.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Miedema was previously linked with both Lyon and Barcelona, though both of those clubs have made significant moves in the centre-forward areas in recent times. Lyon renewed the contract of star striker Ada Hegerberg just last month, while Barca are reportedly set to secure the services of Wolfsburg sensation Ewa Pajor for a bumper fee.
WHAT NEXT FOR MIEDEMA?
Instead, the Daily Mail reports that Manchester City – one of Arsenal’s biggest WSL rivals – are particularly interested in bringing Miedema in. There will be plenty of other clubs keeping tabs, too, as this world-class talent enters the summer as a free agent.