Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova has completed a rare amicable cross-town move in women's football, leaving Arsenal for north London rivals Tottenham despite being a fan favourite at the Emirates. The 27-year-old says the switch was made easier by the warm support of her former teammates, and she credits Tottenham head coach Martin Ho's clear vision for her role as decisive in her decision to join.

Pelova's three years at Arsenal were disrupted by an ACL injury sustained on international duty in June 2024 and by her mother's illness, which she says made for a difficult period that went largely unnoticed by others; her mother died at the start of June 2026. She describes the fresh start at Tottenham, where she is not yet well known, as freeing, and says Ho's detailed, confident approach has allowed her to focus on rediscovering happiness both on and off the pitch as she now prepares to face her old club.