Leah Williamson signs new Arsenal WFC contract

The presence of centre-back Leah Williamson has been sorely missed away from the pitch in recent months, with the 24 year-old still out with a hamstring injury.

However, Williamson has today signed a new contract at the club, who have not revealed the length of the deal, meaning that she has now officially been a Gunner since joining the academy setup at the age of nine.

This news couldn’t have come at a more crucial time, with Williamson set to return from injury before the end of the month and Arsenal at a key point in their WSL campaign.

The Gunners lost 2-0 to bottom of the table Birmingham City on Sunday, with Libby Smith’s opening goal serving as another reminder of the weaknesses of Arsenal’s changed defence. 

Jonas Eidevall surprised many fans with the news that defender Anna Patten has been loaned to West Ham for the remainder of the season, fuelling speculation that Arsenal will look to bring in more defensive personnel in the January transfer window. William’s absence seemed to add to some of the confusion about this move, but Patten will benefit from a run of games at centre-back under the management of Carla Ward.

Speaking to the Arsenal website, Williamson said that “It was a dream come true the first time that I signed here [at Arsenal] and the feeling hasn’t changed”, with manager Jonas Eidevall calling it “wonderful news”. The lifelong Arsenal fan is looking to add to her two WSL titles, as well as 24 England caps.

Arsenal face Reading on Sunday at Meadow Park before taking on Manchester United in the Conti Cup in midweek.