Arsenal have announced that Beth Mead will leave the club at the end of the season. The Gunners described the forward as a “legend of the club”. Mead, an England international, has been with Arsenal since 2017.
Mead’s Arsenal Career in Numbers
During her time with Arsenal, Mead has scored 86 goals in 263 appearances. She has contributed to Arsenal’s successes, including winning the Women’s Champions League, Women’s Super League, Fifa Champions Cup, and three League Cups.
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.” Wheatley added, “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.”
Potential Future Clubs for Mead
It is understood that London City Lionesses and Manchester City are interested in signing Mead. She was named player of the tournament and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2022 when she helped England win the tournament.
Overcoming Injury and Returning to the Squad
Mead suffered a serious knee injury in November 2022, rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. This injury forced her to miss the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. After an 11-month recovery, she returned and was part of the England squad that retained their European title at Euro 2025.
Last season, Mead came on as a substitute in her side’s Champions League final against Barcelona. She set up the winner for Stina Blackstenius as Arsenal won the title for the first time in 18 years, in what she described as one of her “greatest highlights in an Arsenal shirt”.
Recent Appearances and Future Prospects
This season, Mead has made 27 appearances in the WSL and Champions League, including 11 as a substitute, and has scored five goals. Even at 31 years old, Mead is the kind of player who would walk into most WSL teams’ starting XI.
With the next World Cup in Brazil just a year away, it is understandable that she will now look for a club that can offer her more minutes to stay in boss Sarina Wiegman’s England plans.
Another Departure at Arsenal
Arsenal have also announced that Victoria Pelova will be leaving the club at the end of the season. The midfielder has made 87 appearances for the Gunners, scoring six goals.
Mead was runner-up in the 2021-22 Ballon d’Or Feminin.