Arsenal sign Georgia Stanway: What the Lioness will bring to the Gunners | OneFootball

Arsenal have signed England international Georgia Stanway on a permanent deal, making her their first signing of the 2026/27 season.

Stanway departed Bayern Munich at the end of the 2025/26 season, having won eight title with the German powerhouses, including four consecutive Frauen-Bundesliga titles.

Now, the England international returns to the Women’s Super League, where her decorated career first took off.

Stanway rose through the Blackburn Rovers academy, before signing for Manchester City in 2015. After seven years in the WSL, she moved to Bayern Munich, where she has spent the last four years.

Now she’s back in England, what will the Lioness bring to Arsenal?

A winning mentality

Stanway is no stranger to winning trophies. She made more than 100 appearances for Man City, winning one WSL title, three FA Cups and three League Cups in the process. She then joined German juggernauts Bayern Munich and won eight trophies during her time in Germany. 

At international level, she is regular for England and played a crucial part in their back-to-back European Championship triumphs. Stanway made a significant impact in the first of those successes in 2022, when she scored against Norway, as well as bagging the winner against Spain. Along with the subsequent 2025 title, she has also lifted one Women’s Finalissima, one SheBelieves Cup and two Arnold Clark Cups with the Lionesses. She also reached the 2023 World Cup final, where England narrowly lost to Spain.

With club and international success under her belt, Stanway is hungry for more. Speaking of the move, the 27-year-old said: “This is a massive club that is driving the women’s game forward to new levels and I want to be a part of it. I want to win trophies and grow as a player, and this is the right place to do that with the backing of an incredible fanbase.”

Her move to North London gives her another opportunity to play a key role at one of the most ambitious clubs. And of course, she’ll be hoping to compete for more silverware. But what will she bring to the team?

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One of Europe’s best midfielders

Stanway arrives in North London as one of Europe’s best midfielders. Some though, regard her as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Stanway has exceptional versatility. She’s capable of playing as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box player, or in a more advanced central role. She’s comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, and driving the ball forward.

Stanway’s pressing is one of the best parts of her game. Her press is aggressive, and always works to help her team regain possession when off the ball. Her style suits Arsenal’s dominance.

Contributing at both ends of the pitch

Throughout her time at Bayern, Stanway has played a more deeper midfield role. Despite this, she’s continued to show her scoring and assisting ability.

She’s reliably known for her long-range strikes, with her shots from distance regularly finding their way into the back of the net.

Amongst the long-range ability, she also relishes moments of recovering possession, and winning second balls are key to her ability on the pitch.

For Arsenal, having a balanced player like Stanway could prove integral as they’re set to compete on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe next season. With one of their main ambitions being becoming WSL champions, Stanway could provide a wealth of versatility to help them see out close competition.

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Extra balance in midfield

There’s already fierce competition within Arsenal’s midfield with the likes of captain Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum and Kyra Cooney-Cross.

There are holes to be filled and big shoes to fill, including the departure of Katie McCabe who offered adaptability during her 11-year spell at the club.

Stanway though, combines all of the qualities from the current midfielders, whilst offering extra physicality and intensity. And not forgetting her versability.

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Stanway returning to the WSL is a huge talking point in women’s football, and an even bigger boost for the Gunners. She’s a big signing in bolstering their squad, combined with her experience.

If Stanway can bring her winning mentality and versatility to North London, Arsenal will have every reason she can help put them in contention for more silverware.

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