Beth Mead to leave Arsenal after nine years amid reported interest from Manchester City - 'A legend of the club'

Mead, 31, has scored 86 times in 263 appearances for Arsenal after moving to north London from Sunderland in 2017.

She played important roles in Arsenal's success over recent years, which includes a Women's Super League (WSL) title, UEFA Women's Champions League victory last season, three League Cups, and the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup earlier this year.

Arsenals director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley, said: ”Beth has made a huge contribution to our football club over nine years and will go down in history as one of our best forwards and a legend of the club.

"Beth is such a special person and will always be welcome at Arsenal. I know our supporters will join me in wishing Beth happiness and success in her future endeavours.” 

At just 20 years old, Mead became the WSL's youngest Golden Boot winner while at Sunderland in 2015. She lived up to her promise following her move to Arsenal two years later, establishing herself as one of the world's greatest forwards and a linchpin for Sarina Wiegman's England team.

Mead was named UEFA Player of the Tournament and earned the Golden Boot as England won Euro 2022.

Her stunning Euro campaign, in which she recorded six goals and four assists, saw her named England’s Player of the Year, as well as BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2022.

Mead also provided the assist for Stina Blackstenius' winning goal against Barcelona in the Champions League final last year.

More silverware followed shortly after, as Mead helped England to defend their Euros title - retribution for the forward having been forced to miss the World Cup two years prior after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the 2022/23 campaign.

The Athletic has reported that Manchester City are pursuing a deal for Mead in the summer but that no agreement has yet been reached.

Mead played an important part in Arsenal reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League this season, recording three goals and assists in the competition - before their exit to OL Lyonnes.

It is likely to be a busy summer for the north London club, who also announced the summer departures of defender Laia Codina and midfielder Victoria Pelova on Monday.

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