Confirmed: Beth Mead to leave Arsenal

Confirmed: Beth Mead to leave Arsenal

The forward leaves with five major trophies

Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

Arsenal have confirmed that Beth Mead will leave the club this summer when her contract expires, bringing an end to one of the most popular spells of the modern era.

Mead joined Arsenal from Sunderland nine years ago and leaves with a significant collection of medals.

She won the WSL title, three League Cups, one FIFA Champions Cup and one UEFA Women’s Champions League, contributing 86 goals and 78 assists in 265 appearances.

If rumours are to be believed, Arsenal wanted to let one of Caitlin Foord or Mead leave and would have preferred to keep the latter.

It has not worked out that way, and Mead becomes the fifth confirmed departure, with Manuela Zinsberger, Naomi Williams, Laia Codina and Victoria Pelova also leaving.

Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

It is believed the announcements are being made now so supporters can say their goodbyes at the final home game of the season on Wednesday.

Director of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley, said: “Beth has made a huge contribution to our football club over nine years, and will go down in history as one of our best forwards and a legend of the club. Beth is such a special person and will always be welcome at Arsenal. I know our supporters will join me in wishing Beth happiness and success in her future endeavours.”