Georgia Stanway is set to join Arsenal on a free transfer from Bayern Munich at the start of July, the Guardian understands. The 27-year-old England midfielder has agreed terms with the Women's Super League club, subject to passing a medical. Her contract with the Frauen Bundesliga side expires this summer.
Stanway's successful stint at Bayern
Bayern Munich confirmed in January that Stanway would leave at the end of her deal after four successful years in which she helped the club win four Bundesliga titles. The England international has been a key figure in the team, contributing significantly to their domestic dominance.
International pedigree
Stanway has been a vital part of the England national team, winning back-to-back European titles and reaching the 2023 World Cup final. With 32 goals in 91 international appearances, she is widely regarded as one of the world's best central midfielders. Previously a key player for Manchester City, she has also been popular in Germany. In January, Bayern's director of women's football, Bianca Rech, praised her "commitment and character," stating that Stanway had "stolen our hearts." Rech noted that they had discussed her future openly and understood her desire for a new challenge.
Arsenal's long-term interest
Arsenal have been monitoring Stanway for several years and identified her as a target before last summer's Champions League final success. The move is part of their succession planning in midfield and their ambition to reclaim the WSL title for the first time since 2019. The Gunners are also close to finalising the signing of Géraldine Reuteler on a free transfer after the Switzerland international's departure from Eintracht Frankfurt was confirmed. Reuteler, an attacking midfielder who can also play as a forward, has scored 54 goals and provided 45 assists in 184 games for Frankfurt, including 10 goals this season. She was one of the standout performers for the host nation at last summer's European Championship.
Arsenal have announced the summer exits of Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova, Laia Codina, and goalkeepers Manuela Zinsberger and Naomi Williams.
