McCabe’s Potential Departure Signals Change at Arsenal

Speculation regarding Katie McCabe’s future has been ongoing, with The Guardian reporting that her departure from Arsenal this summer is highly likely. The article states that “very respectful discussions” have taken place concerning the 30-year-old’s future, indicating that a new chapter is set to begin for her away from the club she joined in 2015.

Over the past eleven years, McCabe has established herself as a fan favorite, overcoming challenging moments, particularly in 2017 when limited game time led to a loan stint with Scottish giants Glasgow City. It is remarkable to reflect on her initial struggles for playing minutes, especially given her evolution into a key player who has helped Arsenal secure seven major honors, with last season’s Champions League victory being a notable highlight.

News of McCabe’s likely exit follows recent reports from The Athletic regarding Arsenal’s interest in Barcelona defender Ona Batlle, who is also out of contract this summer. Batlle returned to Catalonia in 2023 after three successful seasons with Manchester United and has distinguished herself as one of the best full-backs globally in recent years.

The connections to the 26-year-old have raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Arsenal’s recent signing of 19-year-old Swedish right-back Smilla Holmberg in the January transfer window, along with the acquisition of Taylor Hinds, a recent England debutante capable of playing on either flank. Additionally, world-class right-back Emily Fox is part of the squad. Nonetheless, Batlle’s versatility in playing on both sides of the defensive line would enhance the squad depth should she join the team and McCabe leave.

According to The Guardian, the club is keen to refresh its roster with younger players this summer, making the prospect of replacing McCabe—who desires to remain a key starter at the highest level—with a player four years her junior a fitting move. Interest in McCabe from the NWSL, the premier league in the United States, has also been reported by The Athletic, alongside interest from clubs within England, as noted by The Guardian.

McCabe is unlikely to be the only player departing Arsenal this summer, with several fan favorites potentially leaving. A number of prominent players are out of contract at the end of this season, including England captain Leah Williamson, who is expected to renew her terms in north London, and Gunners skipper Kim Little, who is also likely to stay. However, the departure of any of the other nine players would not be surprising given the anticipated significant changes at the club.

Laia Codina and Victoria Pelova have struggled to secure regular minutes, while Beth Mead was heavily linked with a move to London City Lionesses last year. Stina Blackstenius may seek a starting role after primarily serving as a backup to Alessia Russo, and Manuela Zinsberger, currently sidelined with an ACL injury, has lost her position as the first-choice goalkeeper.

Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, both among the top seven players in the Arsenal squad for minutes played in the Women’s Super League this season, are also entering the final six months of their contracts.

In light of these potential departures, speculation surrounds who Arsenal might bring in. Alongside Batlle, the Gunners have been linked with England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who is also out of contract at Bayern Munich this summer. The 27-year-old recently announced her decision to leave the German giants but has yet to confirm her next destination.

Stanway expressed her sentiments regarding her departure, stating, “The decision to leave Munich and my team was incredibly difficult and definitely not easy for me. I’ve made friends and memories here that will last a lifetime and have also developed enormously as a player and as a person. I will give everything for the club and its sporting success until my very last day, just as I have for the past three and a half years.”

BBC Sport indicated that Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner for Stanway’s signature, having already engaged in talks regarding a potential agreement. Journalist Emma Sanders further elaborated on this, stating that Stanway has “chosen Arsenal” and that a deal is “increasingly close” to being finalized.