Ian Wright says Katie McCabe’s expected departure is the “start of an Arsenal rebuild” | OneFootball

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Ian Wright believes Arsenal could be on the brink of a rebuild with Katie McCabe heavily expected to make her exit from the Gunners this summer.

The Republic of Ireland captain has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium as she is in the final year of her contract.

Wright described McCabe as one of Arsenal’s all-time “greats” but believes her 10-year stay at the club is set to come to an end.

Ian Wright: Katie McCabe exit would start Arsenal rebuild

Arsenal legend Wright spoke about McCabe’s future on the latest Crossways Podcast.

When asked what odds he would give for McCabe to stay at Arsenal, he responded with “very low”.

He told co-host Steph Houghton: “This says to me this is probably the start of the rebuild (at Arsenal).

“It’s something that I’ve been calling for, for a while. I thought it should have happened already.”

He also gave his theory on why McCabe would leave Arsenal this summer, while praising her tenure in North London.

Wright said: “We’re talking about one of our greats. She’s won everything, girl and woman, she’s been there. We spoke before about that Champions League (final) performance and how great she was.

“I think she was one of the best left-backs in the world and she’s constant, every week she gives her best.

“The reason why I don’t see it (McCabe staying) is because Arsenal are trying to move on, and probably, they are not offering her more than a year.

“People don’t realise that at this stage of her career, she can easily go somewhere and get two or three years. So, as much as it will hurt, this is the process of trying to shake things up and go again.”

McCabe one of many Arsenal players on expiring contracts

McCabe is one of 10 key Arsenal players out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 season.

That list also includes Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Women’s Champions Cup final goalscorer Caitlin Foord.

Earlier this week, it was reported that McCabe is expected to leave Arsenal, amid interest from WSL rivals and the NWSL.

The Guardian reported that McCabe will not be offered a new contract, as Arsenal look to freshen up the squad this summer.

Arsenal have been linked with the free signing of Ona Batlle from Barcelona, another full-back who is on an expiring deal.

Renee Slegers’ side could also make another big-name free agent signing in Georgia Stanway, who has already confirmed she will leave Bayern Munich this summer.