Georgia Stanway says she joined Arsenal because the club made her feel wanted, despite knowing she was not initially available, and she believes its ambitions in England and Europe match her own. The England midfielder’s arrival from Bayern Munich on a free transfer is a major WSL signing as Arsenal seek their first league title since 2019.

Stanway, 27, spent four successful years in Germany and says the Bundesliga helped her develop both as a player and person. Her Arsenal unveiling included a tattoo of the phrase “Whatever the weather”, from the club anthem, adding to an estimated 200 tattoos; she is also adjusting to life in London after growing up in Barrow-in-Furness. Arsenal have recruited seven players this summer, including Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler and Lisa Baum, after finishing second last season.