Arsenal Women Secure Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich on Free Transfer

England midfielder Georgia Stanway will join Arsenal Women at the start of July 2026 on a free transfer after her contract with Bayern Munich expires. The move is subject to a medical examination and was confirmed by multiple reports. It marks the conclusion of Stanway’s four-year spell at the German club, during which she contributed to four consecutive Frauen-Bundesliga titles.

The Guardian

Stanway, 27, began her senior career with Manchester City before moving to Bayern Munich in 2022. At Bayern she helped secure four Bundesliga championships. Internationally, she has earned 91 caps for England, scoring 32 goals, and played a central role in England’s back-to-back European Championship victories and the 2023 World Cup final. She is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading central midfielders.

The Guardian

Arsenal identified Stanway as a target as part of their succession planning in midfield, a process accelerated by the club’s Champions League final win in the previous season. The signing aligns with Arsenal’s objective to reclaim the Women’s Super League (WSL) title, which they have not won since 2019. At the same time, Arsenal announced the summer departures of several senior players, including forwards Beth Mead and Katie McCabe, midfielder Victoria Pelova, defender Laia Codina, and goalkeepers Manuela Zinsberger and Naomi Williams. The club is also close to completing the free transfer of Swiss international Géraldine Reuteler from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Guardian

Stanway’s arrival adds depth and experience to Arsenal’s midfield, potentially narrowing the gap with current league leaders. Her record in high-pressure matches may enhance Arsenal’s tactical flexibility and could be a decisive factor in the club’s pursuit of a WSL title. The transfer also highlights the increasing mobility of top talent within European women’s football.

The Guardian

Bayern’s director of women’s football, Bianca Rech, praised Stanway’s commitment and character, noting that she had won the affection of the club during her tenure. Arsenal’s management has not issued a formal comment beyond confirming ongoing negotiations and the club’s broader recruitment strategy.

The Guardian

• “commitment and character” — Bianca Rech, Director of Women’s Football, Bayern Munich

The Guardian

• “stolen our hearts” — Bianca Rech, Director of Women’s Football, Bayern Munich

The Guardian

Stanway is expected to complete her medical in early July and join Arsenal’s pre-season training camp. Arsenal will integrate her alongside new signing Géraldine Reuteler as they prepare for the 2026-27 WSL campaign, while Bayern Munich will look to replace her midfield influence ahead of the new season.

The Guardian