Arsenal consider contract u-turn for 30yo set to leave

Arsenal consider contract u-turn for 30yo set to leave

Arsenal are now considering offering Katie McCabe a new contract, despite the long-serving defender having looked set to leave on a free transfer this summer.

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Arsenal are considering a contract U-turn for Katie McCabe, with the long-serving defender now likely to receive an offer to stay despite previously appearing set to leave on a free transfer this summer.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and had looked to be approaching the end of her time in north London, with Manchester City believed to be the front-runners for her signature.

Telegraph Sport, however, reports that Arsenal are now likely to make McCabe an offer, even though the club have been planning a squad refresh and looking to lower the age profile of the group.

McCabe appeared to acknowledge in March that her future was uncertain, confirming there had already been interest from elsewhere.

“Yes, there’s been interest,” she said.

“I’m into my last my last six months (of contract) so technically you’re allowed to speak to others. I’m not part of those conversations. I’ve left those to my agent but there has been interest.

“Obviously, my full focus is on these games coming up with Ireland. The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club. I think I’ve shown that over the last 10 years. I’ve given absolutely everything. But in terms of where I’ll be at, I’m going to see out the next few months and then go from there.”

That position now appears to have shifted from Arsenal’s side, even if all options are understood to remain on the table.

Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

McCabe’s form and versatility have strengthened her case, with Ireland captain filling in at centre-back at times this season while remaining one of the most effective left-backs in Europe. Her importance during Arsenal’s upturn since the start of the year has not gone unnoticed by key figures at the club.

McCabe joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in December 2015 after rejecting interest from Glasgow City, Chelsea and Manchester City. Her early years at the club were not straightforward, with limited opportunities and a temporary move back to Scotland, but Joe Montemurro converted her into a left-back and she gradually became a fixture in the side.

From 2018-19 onwards, McCabe established herself as one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers. She played more minutes than any other player as the club won the Women’s Super League title, and she has since added the FA Cup, League Cup and last season’s Women’s Champions League to her honours.

More than 200 appearances have brought more than 20 goals and a regular supply of assists from the left flank.

There has also been individual recognition, including selection in the PFA Team of the Year, Arsenal’s Player of the Season award in 2022-23, inclusion in the Women’s Champions League Team of the Season and a Ballon d’Or nomination.

The situation is complicated by Arsenal’s wider plans. Ona Batlle, the Spain international who can play at right-back and left-back, is set to join from Barcelona on a free transfer and is still expected to sign regardless of whether McCabe stays.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Arsenal also signed 19-year-old Smilla Holmberg in January, with the Sweden international viewed as a key target, although she has recently been used further forward.

Arsenal had been expected to move on from several out-of-contract players as part of that refresh. Steph Catley and Stina Blackstenius have recently signed new deals, while there is still uncertainty around others. It is understood the club made decisions on a number of players whose contracts were expiring and that those not being offered new terms were informed before the January transfer window.

McCabe was understood to be among those expected to leave, while Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead were also thought likely to depart at the end of the season. Foord is now expected to stay after being offered a new deal, while Mead looks more likely to leave to join her partner Vivienne Miedema