Stanway Confirms Bayern Exit Arsenal Leading WSL Chase

England midfielder Georgia Stanway will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current 2025-26 season, she confirmed on January 9, 2026. This news has sparked a significant scramble in the transfer market, with Arsenal reportedly leading the charge to bring the Lioness back to the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Stanway’s Bayern Journey Concludes

Stanway, 27, wraps up a successful four-year spell with the German champions. She arrived in Munich from Manchester City in summer 2022, a marquee signing after England’s Euro 2022 triumph. During her time there, she made 94 appearances and helped Bayern secure three Bundesliga titles, with them currently six points clear at the top and unbeaten this season.

The decision to leave wasn’t an easy one, according to Stanway herself. On social media, she wrote,

“I am incredibly grateful to FC Bayern for the past years. And thankfully, my time here isn’t over yet. The decision to leave Munich and my team was incredibly difficult and definitely not easy for me. I’ve made friends and memories here that will last a lifetime, and I’ve also been able to develop enormously as a player and as a person. I will give everything for the club and its sporting success until my very last day, just as I have for the past three and a half years. And I want to say goodbye to the club and the fans at the end of the season with as many titles as possible.”

Bayern’s director of women’s football, Bianca Rech, acknowledged Stanway’s wishes. She added,

“We talked a lot and openly about her (Stanway’s) future, and when she told us that she now wanted to try something new, her reasons were completely understandable. We thank her for the time we spent together and wish her all the best for the future. But we still have a few months left, and we’ll make them as successful as possible together.”

Arsenal Plotting WSL Return for Lioness

For Arsenal, securing Stanway would be a major statement of intent. They are currently third in the WSL, behind leaders Manchester City, and are looking to strengthen their squad for a long-term push. The club recently extended head coach Renée Slegers’ contract until 2029 and brought in former England international Jodie Taylor as technical director, signaling a clear strategic direction.

The Gunners have shown significant interest and sources close to the club indicate they are in a strong position. Stanway’s contract with Bayern expires this summer, meaning she can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams from January 1. But, as of now, no deal with Arsenal or any other club has been confirmed. It’s a summer move to be decided.

Stanway’s return would also add to Arsenal’s growing contingent of England internationals, joining Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, and others. The “Lioness tag” holds commercial appeal for the club too. It’s a smart move on many fronts if they can pull it off. They need players like her.

What Stanway Brings to the Table

Stanway is a central midfielder known for her box-to-box energy and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. She’s strong, physical, and has a knack for long-range shooting and set-piece delivery. Her arrival would address a perceived imbalance in Arsenal’s midfield, especially after Lia Walti’s departure to Juventus last summer. She can regain possession, retain the ball under pressure, and instigate attacks, but also provide defensive support when needed.

Despite sustaining her first major career injury—a ruptured lateral collateral ligament in her right knee—in January last year, Stanway bounced back quickly. She underwent a tough rehab, reportedly doing between 70 to 80 sessions, and started every game for England at the 2025 European Championship, helping them win the tournament again. That kind of resilience is what Arsenal needs.

Arsenal are facing some squad changes this summer, with several key players over 30 and out of contract, including captain Kim Little and Leah Williamson, though talks are progressing well with them. Stanway, with her 87 England caps and proven track record at a top European club, offers an immediate quality injection. Her profile fits their long-term vision perfectly, according to ESPN’s transfer reports. This isn’t just a rumour, it’s a real target for them.