Georgia Stanway is leaving Bayern Munich upon the expiry of her contract this summer.
The 27-year-old joined the German club in 2022, leaving the Women’s Super League behind for life in the Bavarian side of the Frauen-Bundesliga.
Stanway, who made 109 appearances for Manchester City before her move to Bayern, is rumoured to be making a return to the WSL – but this time, to don the colours of Arsenal.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Emily Clogg looks at Stanway’s time in Germany and whether a move to Arsenal would be the right fit for the midfielder.
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STANWAY’S STINT IN GERMANY
It’s safe to say that life at Bayern Munich has been nothing short of a success for Stanway.
Since she arrived at the club back in 2022, the England international has won three Frauen-Bundesliga titles, alongside a DFB-Pokal Frauen and two DFB-Supercups to boot.
Stanway was named the 2022/23 Fans’ Player of the Season as she bagged six goals and three assists, quickly cementing herself as a favourite among the Bayern faithful.
During this time, Stanway was a key player in two European Championship triumphs for England, etching her name into Lionesses history.
TALKS WITH ARSENAL
Reports have emerged that WSL club Arsenal are the favourites in the race for Stanway’s signature.
The 27-year-old is free to open discussions with potential suitors and sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer this summer, with her end-of-season departure announced earlier this month.
Leading the way are Arsenal, who have had a bit of a slow start to the 2025/26 season.
Renee Slegers’ side currently sits third in the WSL table, 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
Despite a poor start to this season, the Gunners proved their status as one of Europe’s biggest clubs last campaign, winning their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title after defeating heavy favourites Barcelona 1-0.
If Stanway is to join in the summer, she will hope that Arsenal can secure a top-three WSL finish to guarantee their participation in at least the Champions League qualifying rounds.
The Gunners aren’t the only team in talks, with other clubs having declared their interest, but it’s Slegers’ side who look like the front-runners.
WHY ARE ARSENAL INTERESTED
Since her initial promotion from assistant to interim head coach in 2024, following the resignation of Jonas Eidevall, Slegers has got Arsenal back where they should be: competing.
With a squad like Arsenal’s, there’s no excuse for not competing for the major trophies season after season.
The Gunners have recruited well in the past few seasons, bringing in quality in the form of Mariona Caldentey, Olivia Smith, and Chloe Kelly, to name but a few.
To acquire a player of Stanway’s ability would be a sign of intent from Slegers and the board, and would be a clever move when you look ahead to Gunners with expiring contracts of their own in the summer.
There’s a handful of Arsenal regulars who could be leaving the club for free at the end of the season: captain Kim Little, Emily Fox, Katie McCabe, Stina Blackstenius, and Beth Mead.
Many believe that Little, who will turn 36 years old in June, could be set to hang up her boots at the end of the campaign, which would leave a huge hole in Arsenal’s midfield – a Stanway-shaped hole, perhaps.
The move makes sense for both parties: Arsenal could well be in need of a midfielder ahead of next season, and Stanway can return to her home country and play football in arguably the biggest league in women’s football.
This is a deal that could, ultimately, be a win-win.
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