Manchester City have signed former Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old, who holds the record as the all-time leading goalscorer in the Women's Super League, left Arsenal at the end of June after her contract expired.
Despite scoring 125 goals in 172 appearances for the Gunners, Arsenal chose not to offer Miedema a new deal.
The Netherlands international, who had been limited to just eight WSL appearances over the past two seasons due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee suffered in December 2022, has now signed a three-year contract with City.
"The reason I chose City is because they share the same ambitions as me—they want to win the league and titles," said Miedema.
"I’ve always said I want to play with the best players in the world, and I believe City has that.
"I haven't played as much football as I would have liked over the past two years, but I believe and hope my best years are still ahead. I hope to contribute to the team as much as I can.
"In the end, it was an easy decision for me. I want to challenge myself every day in training and every week in the games we play."
Miedema joined Arsenal in 2017 from Bayern Munich and won the WSL title with the Gunners in 2019, along with three League Cup titles in 2018, 2023, and 2024.
'One of the greatest players in WSL history'
Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal decided not to offer Vivianne Miedema a contract extension.
As one of the greatest players in WSL history, and at just 27 years old—despite still recovering from her ACL injury—many believe she can return to top form.
Miedema is a natural goalscorer who has spent much of her career as a number nine, but in recent years has expressed a preference for playing as a number 10.
Manchester City already boasts an impressive attacking lineup, including last season's Golden Boot winner Khadija Shaw and England international Lauren Hemp. They also set a record for their highest women's transfer fee last season to sign Netherlands attacking midfielder Jill Roord.
After narrowly missing out on the WSL title to Chelsea on goal difference on the final day of the 2023-24 season, City needed to make significant moves in the transfer window to challenge the champions, who have claimed the last five titles. This signing is certainly a statement of intent.