Arsenal forward Blackstenius signs new contract

Stina Blackstenius has scored 44 goals in 128 games for Sweden [Getty Images]

Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

The 30-year-old, who joined from Swedish side BK Hacken in 2022, has scored 64 goals in 152 games for Arsenal in all competitions.

This season, she has seven goals and three assists in 15 Women's Super League matches - and also netted in the Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea.

Blackstenius has gained a reputation for being one of Arsenal's most effective players off the bench and scored the late winner in last season's Champions League final victory over Barcelona.

The Sweden striker also hit an extra-time goal against Chelsea to clinch the Women's League Cup trophy in 2024 and a late winner against Manchester City in the semi-finals in 2023.

She has started six WSL games this season, forming a strong partnership with England forward Alessia Russo, for the third-placed Gunners - who are two points behind Chelsea in second with two games in hand.

Club sources say she provides a different threat to Russo and it was therefore a priority for them to agree a new deal with Blackstenius before the summer.

As well as a useful habit of scoring in big moments, she is valued at Arsenal for her contribution off the ball and ability to create space for others.