Arsenal recall youngsters from loan spells | OneFootball

Arsenal have recalled youngsters Naomi Williams and Cecily Wellesley-Smith from their loan spells at Bristol City and Leicester City.

The Gunners announced the news via a post on their official club website this afternoon.

Goalkeeper Williams and defender Wellesley-Smith were both set to spend the entire season with their loan clubs but Arsenal have opted to terminate both deals at the campaign’s halfway point.

Both Williams and Wellesley-Smith went out on loan to get some much-needed senior playing minutes. The pair provided competition for places but neither featured in league competition in the first half of the season. The only minutes handed to Williams and Wellesley-Smith came in the group stage of the Subway Women’s League Cup.

Arsenal’s next plans for Williams and Wellesley-Smith’s development are not yet known. Both players need more exposure to senior football to flourish in their careers therefore further loans could be considered, although the games are coming thick and fast for Arsenal who continue to compete in four different competitons domestically and in Europe.

Arsenal return to action on Saturday 10 January 2026 when they play host to Manchester United at The Emirates Stadium. A big crowd is expected to welcome The Gunners back after the winter break.