Georgia Stanway has completed a three-year move to Arsenal, returning to the Women’s Super League with clear ambition. The 27-year-old midfielder arrives at the Emirates Stadium after four successful years with Bayern Munich. Arsenal bring in Stanway as a key addition after recent domestic progress and deep Champions League runs.

Arsenal finished second in the WSL last season, four points behind champions Manchester City, where Stanway previously played. Under Renee Slegers, the Gunners lifted the Champions League in 2024-25, then exited in last season’s semi-finals to eventual runners-up Lyon. Stanway becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

Before joining Arsenal, Stanway moved from Manchester City to Bayern Munich in 2022 and stayed for four seasons. The midfielder collected eight major trophies in Germany, including four straight Frauen-Bundesliga titles. Stanway featured 79 times in the league for Bayern, scoring 24 goals and supplying 19 assists from central midfield.

Stanway already knows the WSL well from a long spell with Manchester City earlier in her career. The England international played 102 league matches for City, registering 50 direct goal contributions, with 38 goals and 12 assists. During that period, Stanway also added seven trophies, strengthening experience now brought to North London.

After finalising the transfer, Stanway spoke about the emotional impact of the move and the atmosphere at Arsenal. “It feels really surreal actually,” Stanway told Arsenal’s website. “It’s been a long time in the works, so it’s weird to be here and actually happening and seeing my shirt for the first time. It’s an unbelievable feeling, I’m so proud.”

“Straight away I feel the family feeling. Everybody that I’ve met today is so warm and so welcoming, and I feel like that is the club culture and making sure that everybody’s comfortable and has the opportunity to be free and to play free, and that’s exactly what you see on the pitch. I’m excited to get going. I want to create big things with this club, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Head coach Renee Slegers explained why Arsenal targeted Stanway for this stage of the project. “Georgia is a brilliant midfielder and we’re thrilled that she is an Arsenal player. She will add a new dimension to our midfield, bringing experience and adding to our winning mentality. We look forward to getting down to work in pre-season ahead of a big campaign ahead.”

Reports have linked Arsenal with further squad strengthening, including interest in Salma Paralluelo after departure from Barcelona, but Stanway is the first arrival. With prime years ahead at 27 and a record of success in both England and Germany, Stanway is expected to play a central role in Arsenal’s push for WSL and European titles.