Arsenal Gunning for Glory
The most decorated team in the land, Arsenal Women are looking to get back to their historic heights after a disappointing few seasons. A summer rebuild continues the ‘Renéeissance’ of manager Sleger’s era that began with a historic UEFA Champions League victory. The new campaign offers a chance to cement themselves as modern giants and reclaim their form domestically, a league title and a trip to Wembley something firmly in their sights after 8 years away. The belief is there from fans and players alike but as the Emirates Stadium floodlights beckon, will the Gunners be able to get their hands on silverware once more?
Getting It Right
It could be fair to say that last season was disappointing for the Gunners. They lifted the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup after an extra time win against Brazilian side Corinthians following their comeback second Champions League victory against Barcelona in Lisbon 2025. The continental title was a feat of magic from Slegers, who took over from Eidevall in the October of 2024, they were down after the first leg of all knockout rounds and clear underdogs going into the deciding game, making their victory a monumental moment for the club, and indeed English football. But what was expected to be a springboard for success led instead a lackluster following season, going out of the FA Cup at the quarter final stage, the League Cup in the semi-final and finishing second in the league, 4 points off Manchester City.
The Gunners last lifted a domestic trophy under Sleger’s predecessor Jonas Eidevall who led the side to two League Cup wins, both against Chelsea. His managerial period saw some moments of magic, notably a sellout against Wolfsburg at the Emirates when Arsenal reached the Champions League semi final in 2023. But this period failed to build for the future, with many of Arsenal’s signings under his leadership being short term stints especially for younger players. Kathrine Kuhl and Gio Garbelini, both billed as signings for the future, exited with little game time and before their contracts expired, with the likes of Cloe Lacasse and Rosa Kafaji also struggling under the Swede.
The Gunners last won the WSL title in 2019, only Leah Williamson and Kim Little remain from Montemurro’s squad that lifted the trophy at Meadow Park. Fans have to cast their minds back even further to 2016 for their last victory under the Wembley arch in the FA Cup. Dubbed a much needed ‘rebuild’ by supporters, this summer has been all change at Colney as Sleger’s assembles a team, that she hopes, can go on to win it all.
Statement Signings
Arsenal have lost thirteen players from their 2025/26 squad, including long term stalwarts Katie McCabe, Manu Zinsberger and Beth Mead, Eidevall era signing’s Rosa Kafaji and Laia Codina plus injury hit Victoria Pelova. Jenna Nightwonger had a difficult time in North London, never breaking into the squad, and academy graduates Viv Lia, Eva Grey, Niamh Peacock and Naomi Williams also took the opportunity to seek more regular game time.
The departing contingent don’t only leave holes in squad depth but also off the pitch in leadership positions, so for the recruitment team this summer, getting the right profile for the dressing room would’ve been equally as important as the perfect player to slot into Sleger’s system.
England international Georgia Stanway has been a long term target for Arsenal with interest initially reported last summer, she arrives on a free transfer after four highly successful seasons at German Champions FC Bayern Munich. The Bavarian side’s vice-captain, she adds much needed leadership quality and first hand experience of playing in the WSL, starting her senior career at Manchester City. A versatile midfielder, Stanway will add considerable depth to the middle, taking pressure of overworked and out of position Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little. With a proven partnership between defenders Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson at an international level, she played closer to the defensive line in the Gunner’s preseason friendlies and already looks to be part of the furniture in N5.
Continuing to shop in the Bundesliga, Géraldine Reutler could be described as a perfect ‘Sleger’s ball’ player, a proven versatile midfielder who can drift into attack and was also vice-captain during her eight year stint at Eintracht Frankfurt. Experienced in the defensive and attacking midfield, playing 56% of her games there, and known as a poacher, making runs in behind on the counter attack. Géry is one of the first on the team sheet at international level, the Swiss superstar winning player of the match in all three group stage games at her home Euro’s last summer. Speaking at the Arsenal media day on her role in Sleger’s system, Reutler is excited about the competitive challenges posed by being part of a top WSL side:
“I'm a box-to-box player, so I will fit into the system of how Arsenal play. I can improve on anything, there are so many great players I can learn from. The training is so professional and of good quality so I can learn something every day… Arsenal is also one of the best clubs in the world, it's a privilege to play here. I’m excited, It’s also a familiar club so I’m happy to be here.”
Bundesliga Golden Boot Winner Selina Cerci adds much needed depth to the attack, with 16 goals in her final league campaign for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Often seen in an Arsenal kit long before putting pen to paper this summer, Cerci is a Gunner through and through and is looking to open her Arsenal account as a physical striker known for her off-the-ball movement and has also been spotted on the wing. A new attacking presence adds depth to the striker position reducing their reliance on Russo, who played the third most minutes for club and most for country last season, the German international has impressed as a substitute across preseason, assisting Lisa Baum against Manchester City, and with a two year contract she will want to put a legacy to the name in her very own club shirt.
Ona Batlle joins the pack that have swapped Barcelona for N5, leaving her childhood club at the end of her contract this summer. The Spanish right-back is one of the first names on the team sheet internationally, celebrated for her pace (she was the fastest player at the 2025 Euro’s with a top speed of 30.5 km/h) and ability to invert from attack to defense putting pinpoint crosses into the box. From La Masia, she moved through Levante and Madrid CFF before earning WSL experience with a three year stint at Manchester United. Typically deployed on the right, Battle enjoyed her most successful season on the left of defense covering for the injured Frida Rolfo, with 3 goals and 6 assists and she is expected to fill the left back role vacated by McCabe for the Gunners. Her versatility continues the trend of Sleger's summer rebuild, bringing in proven players that can change the game. Ona sites the lure of the WSL as a big reason for her decision to leave Barcelona, the club where she was developed:
“When I was at Barca, I didn't even think about leaving again. But when I had to make a decision about my next future, my next years, I mean, obviously, it was a big step coming back, especially because the league has grown that much and it's where I enjoyed the time at United, but now I think it was a good time and a good place to be to enjoy these next years and to be here and especially compete every weekend.
Playing in three sold out Champions League finals, A European Championship final, a World Cup final and in front of 60,021 at Camp Nou, Batlle is excited to regularly be playing at a packed out Emirates Stadium, with fans that follow the side across land and sea in droves.
It's one of the beauties of this club, how are they connected to the fans, to the crowd, how they have been in the history of the club, but then as well having all these fans and just makes me excited and makes me think that it's a big club and that I wanted to be a part of it.”
The Gunner’s fourth signing from the Bundesliga, and the only one that required a transfer fee, 19 year-old Lisa Baum arrives after a standout first season of professional football at RB Leipzig after performing as a breakout wonderkid at Hamburger SV. A pacy left-footed right-winger, she adds a unique profile that the Gunners were lacking following McCabe’s departure, a direct and dynamic winner with silky feet around the ball, Baum scored 6 and assisted 2 last season with good numbers and partnerships already building in pre-season. Investing in the future, the Gunners broke a German transfer record with the signing, noting her high energy direct style of play and pace, the winger position may be controlled by two of the world's most explosive young talents.
A goalkeeper for the future, Danish Youth International Isabella Damm joins from Brøndby IF to bolster the depleted goalkeeper union after the departure of Naomi Williams and Manu Zinsberger. After a successful trial period at the beginning of last season, the club have been monitoring the 18 year-old seeing her as “one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe”. Joining the Danish side at just 13 years old, she progressed through the age groups making her senior debut in a 3-0 win against AGF in the October of last year.
Misa Rodríguez's arrival was an intriguing transfer surprise for Arsenal after Damm’s announcement. A proven winner, a World Cup trophy in her cabinet and over two centuries of run outs for Real Madrid as their top appearance maker, Rodríguez continues the Liga F to WSL exodus, taking the Arsenal goalkeeper union to 4 standout shot-stoppers. Out of favour at Madrid and the national team after letting 4 in against Japan at the 2023 World Cup, Misa is looking for a second chance. With the injury woes of both Borbe and Van Domselaar last season, the latter still recovering from surgery, Rodríguez adds incredible competitiveness to the position, sharing with Borbe during preseason but expected to be first pick until the return of the Dutch number 1 complicates the decision even more. Her left-foot diversifies the squad’s creativity, and with a 81.4% save percentage last season she has an assured command of the box and aerial agility, also bringing vocal leadership to the dressing room.
Misa is another of Sleger’s ‘good’ starting 11 headaches heading into the new campaign, the Gunners have added one more world class player with proven winning experience to their arsenal, with a hope of solving some of the key issues that held them back from getting their hands on more silverware in 25/26.
Tackling the Predictability Problem
Statistically Arsenal had a good season on the field. Only conceding 14 goals they had the best defense in the league by a long way, but 6 avoidable draws cost them considerably. An inability to up their levels as a game progressed stunted their success, conceding a last minute equaliser against Aston Villa at home exposing their aerial issues and lackluster draws against Manchester United put the league title out of reach. Arsenal became predictable at times, whilst being able to overturn deficits in knockout rounds in 2024/25, last season the side were worked out before the game had begun in their Champions League draws and unable to change the game, they weren’t able to achieve the previous seasons glory. With a smaller squad, substitutions became routine, a midfielder off for Blackstenius and Russo goes into the 10, Maanum on in the dying moments. Adding greater strength in depth will be key to solving this issue, and the players brought in can certainly be trusted to change a game
A Renée Sleger’s signing could simply be defined as ‘play anywhere’, versatility being key to the sides recruitment strategy, but also finding avenues where current players can try their hand at new positions. Whether that's Caitlin Foord right back stints, Mariona’s full season as defensive midfielder instead of her preferred advanced role and Russo drifting from striker to 10 seamlessly in games, Sleger has implemented a transitional system that she hopes to build on with the new recruits. Cerci can play as a striker and on the wing whilst Fox and Batlle are expected to invert throughout games to disrupt the oppositions attack. Holmberg has been deployed across the defense and attack with Reutler taking the ‘play anywhere’ mantra to a new level, her ability to replace most players on the pitch adds unpredictable mystery off the bench.
Arsenal don’t just have to look to new recruits for players that can have an impact. Chloe Kelly had a difficult first full season back at the club, after a standout EURO’s campaign sealing the Lionesses win with a trademark penalty in the final, she had high hopes for the club season but persistent injury scuppered her plans. She wants to be more dominant this season, maintaining her rhythm and continuing to be proud to wear an Arsenal shirt. Speaking at the Arsenal media day, it’s clear she is hungry to give more:
“Last season was a frustration for me, being in and out with injury. Off the back of an amazing summer I had big goals to do amazing things here at Arsenal in my first season. I’m a little bit disappointed that I wasn't able to do just what I wanted to do. But I know the club and the ambitions of the club is to go for the league this season. So making sure that I had a really good off season, both balancing downtime and working in the gym, working on the pitch. So I think I'm in a really good place at the moment. So of course I set goals, but my main goal is of course to stay fit and fresh all season and look after my body and be ready when called upon.”
The first name Arsenal fans look for on a team sheet, and the biggest cheer in the stadium, the return of Kyra Cooney-Cross sparks both pride and excitement as the midfielder is back in red and white following a leave of absence granted last year. Her return is almost like a new signing, a natural defensive midfielder takes the pressure of overworked Caldentey, adding world class depth in the middle of the field. Scoring a trademark worldy in preseason she could help Arsenal reach even greater heights and the stands will certainly be behind her as she settles back into competitive football.
A Season to Remember?
The ambition is clear. Trophies are the top priority for Renee Sleger’s side this season and as the domestic title drought increases, the team have their sights set on the WSL crown.
The league is almost unrecognizable from the competition Arsenal won in 2019, with 14 sides now in the race that's more competitive than ever; have they done enough to create a side to challenge?
It’s almost unbelievable to say that a team that’s signed two World Cup winners, a two time Euro’s winner, three former vice-captains at Champions League sides, a league top scorer and one of the most exciting young talents in the game may not have had the best window in the WSL, but that's the reality of the competition right now. London City Lionesses have Ballon D’Or Winner Putellas, Mapi Leon also joins Kang’s side and Chelsea have signed NWSL Midfielder of the Year Manaka Matsukubo.
However, confidence is radiating from the North London club who have set their sights on silverware and will do whatever it takes to get themselves there. Chloe Kelly is excited by the new challenge, “I think it makes it harder of course to go and win the league because the depth and the quality of the whole league is incredible right now and what a time to win the league.”
Arsenal's trophy lifting ambitions was a major draw for new signing Batlle who is ready to win in red and white. “I think there's loads of good clubs that are trying to invest and trying to get good teams to compete well and try to win this league. I think it's one of the things I am very excited for, trying to win the WSL. It's something I haven't done and I'm really excited to do it with Arsenal. Hopefully we will be there to compete for it.”
Everyone will have a different opinion on whether Arsenal’s transfer window can propel them to a league winning side. They have replaced most of the outgoing group with ceiling raisers with international experience, a passion for the club and exciting young talent.
It’s hard, however, to ignore the long term gaps in the center back position. Departed Laia Codina played 24 games last season including 8 full 90’s as arguably the 5th choice central defender at the beginning of the season. Exciting prospect Katie Reid suffered a ACL injury early in the campaign, with Leah Williamson only fit to start 7 games and Steph Catley in and out with injury, Lotte Wubben Moy and Codina were the only centre backs available throughout the season. Katie McCabe also had two starting stints in that position and without even her cover entering the new campaign and no one recruited, depth in defense is even more concerning. A left foot in the defense is also a need, for a side lacking in left sided intent with right footed Batlle replacing McCabe. The question of aerial threat could be answered by tall striker Cerci but recruiting a tall left footed center back would propel Arsenal's transfer window from good to great. Smilla Holmberg spent 20 minutes in the centre of the back line in Arsenal’s preseason friendly against Charlton Athletic but this is far from a long term solution as it seems a shame to lose her blossoming overlapping and attacking qualities. Arsenal may still be in the market entering the last few days of the window but waiting until January seems more likely as players look to make moves to better their chances of a place on the plane to Brazil.
If the Gunners can keep everyone fit, and the new contingent adapt quickly to the physicality of the WSL, I don’t see why Arsenal can’t compete with the very best both domestically and on the European stage.
Players to Watch
It may be Arsenal’s five 27-year-old summer signings that are dominating the headlines but their trio of young ballers could be the game changers needed to take their season to new heights.
Smilla Holmberg has consistently impressed since signing from Hammerby IFK in January. The 19-year-old found form quickly in Sleger's line-up, first as a substitute for starting right-back Emily Fox, but quickly carving out her own place with an impressive start on the wing against Leicester City, scoring a brace. Bagging four assists in half a season, Holmberg will look to take her game to new levels adding versatility, from her natural fullback position to the wing and even taking a shift at center back in the last 20 minutes of the Gunners pre-season friendly against Charlton, she is increasingly staking her claim for a starting spot on the team sheet. The Swedish International could be key in both defense and attack as an important and consistent game changer when called upon.
A nice partnership seems to be brewing between Holmberg and new signing Lisa Baum. The German Youth International joined the Gunners from Leipzig, batting off interest from across Europe to play in N5. Baum has really impressed in pre-season, reportedly scoring a late winner against Manchester City and assisting Georgia Stanway’s goal against Charlton. She adds creativity, dribbling in and around the box, not afraid to get a shot off. In the game against Paris FC, Baum and Holmberg made the right hand side almost unplayable for the French team at points, a partnership that will hopefully continue to blossom as the season begins.
Two time PFA Young Player of the Year, Olivia Smith will surely be the key to unlocking titles this season, after a statement first campaign in N5. A record breaking signing last summer that converted to 8 goal involvements in her first season; she is formidable on the pitch, a true Gunner off it too. Smith has already scored twice in preseason with thumping long range shots against both Paris and Charlton sealing their pre-season wins. Scoring some of the most exciting goals for Arsenal in her first year, with greater familiarity in the environment she will hope to be even more dominant as one of the first names on the team sheet.
With Michelle Agyemang and Katie Reid also recovering well from their ACL injuries, the Gunners season may be led by proven world class talent but it could be defined by their exciting young contingent disrupting the game.
Chloe Kelly is excited to see what Arsenal’s young contingent can bring to the squad this season after progressing through the academy ranks herself, debuting with a goal in a 4-1 win against Watford in 2017:
“I think I can learn a lot from those younger players in my position and also try to give them what I can from my experiences. For Katie Reid and Mich (Michelle Agyemang), this season will be amazing for them to step back on the pitch, hopefully fresh and fit and get going again. Their careers really excite me, seeing two young players that are so Arsenal and seeing young players coming up.”
So, will Arsenal be able to finally unlock their domestic trophy cabinet and build on the progress of last season or will a growing league take the prospect of silverware further out of their reach? Seven statement signings and a renewed hunger for more is what's sailing the Arsenal ship into the 2026/2027 campaign, looking to battle in all three competitions and continue to set themselves apart as one of the most dominant teams in the land.
Their season kicks off in Crawley against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday the 6th of September before a home return to the Emirates for a North London vs South London showdown against newly promoted Crystal Palace on September 13th. They will discover their Champions League opposition on the 4th of September and European Nights commence on the 22nd of the month.