Stephan Georgiou
Beth Mead: We Want You To Stay
Mead's influence at Arsenal Women is still very much evident says Stephan Georgiou
London City Lionesses' reported offer for Beth Mead shows that the WSL newcomers are here to disrupt the natural order of things in the English top flight.
Backed by Michele Kang's millions, London City have already welcomed plenty of star names in recent months - including ex-Gunners Danielle van de Donk and Nikita Parris, as well as the recently departed Teyah Goldie and Freya Godfrey.
But signing Mead would perhaps be their biggest statement of the summer.
So should Arsenal sell up?
Well, it could be argued that Mead's status in the squad has somewhat waned amid Chloe Kelly's return, with the forward only making the bench for May's Champions League final.
The arrival of Olivia Smith could throw a spanner in the works in terms of determining Mead's future role in this Arsenal team, with Renee Slegers sure to back her big-money signing.
However, Mead's influence is still very much evident, having been utilised to full effect in Lisbon by superbly setting up Stina Blackstenius' winner, while she proved effective as a substitute for England at the Euros alongside Michelle Agyemang.
Nevertheless, London City clearly sense an opportunity, though there is surely still room for Mead in this Arsenal attack, particularly with Agyemang nearing another loan.
You wouldn't blame Mead for being tempted by a move, especially if she is eyeing up a World Cup place, having missed out in 2023 through injury.
But Arsenal are the European champions and seeking a first WSL title in seven years - now is not the time to be playing fast and loose with the playing squad.
One thing that seems certain is that she will be at the Emirates on MD1 (just like Vivianne Miedema was last season), but which colour shirt she'll be wearing remains to be seen.
Read Stephan's account of his trip to cheer on the Lionesses at the final of Euro 2025 in our forthcoming new season issue of our Arsenal Women's Gooner Fanzine.
In the meantime get your copy of our limited edition Gooner Women's Champions League souvenir special here
Arsenal Women are Champions of Europe, and we've commemorated their achievement with a special souvenir print issue of the Gooner Fanzine! ?Pre-order now at https://t.co/11KAFvVSDh or buy for £10 at AWFC games this season in a larger A4 size to relive Lisbon all over again ? pic.twitter.com/3no7DLKHAE
— The Gooner (@GoonerFanzine) July 24, 2025
