Arsenal icon Beth Mead to depart club at season's end in 2026

Arsenal forward Beth Mead, a club legend, will leave at the end of the 2025-26 season after nine years.

Club tribute to Mead Arsenal called forward Beth Mead a club legend as they confirmed she will leave at the end of the season. Mead, a 31-year-old England international, has scored 86 goals in 265 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Sunderland in 2017. During her time, she helped Arsenal win the Women's Champions League, Women's Super League, Fifa Champions Cup, and three League Cups. Arsenal director of women's football Clare Wheatley said, "Beth has made a huge contribution to our football club over nine years, and will go down in history as one of our best forwards and a legend of the club." She added, "Beth is such a special person and will always be welcome at Arsenal. I know our supporters will join me in wishing Beth happiness and success in her future endeavours." ## Potential clubs interested in Mead London City Lionesses and Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Mead. Mead was named player of the tournament and winner of the Golden Boot as she led England to victory at Euro 2022. She returned from a serious knee injury to help England retain their European title at Euro 2025. ## Mead's injury and return Mead suffered a serious knee injury in November 2022 when she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament and missed the 2023 World Cup. After 11 months of recovery, she returned to action and was part of the England squad that won Euro 2025. Mead came on as a substitute in the Champions League final against Barcelona last season and set up the winning goal for Stina Blackstenius as Arsenal claimed their first Champions League title in 18 years. ## Mead's current season stats This season, Mead has made 27 appearances in the WSL and Champions League, with 11 of those as a substitute, and scored five goals. Arsenal also announced that Victoria Pelova, who joined from Ajax in January 2023, will leave the club at the end of the season. Pelova has made 87 appearances for the Gunners, scoring six goals. ## Reaction to Mead's departure Mead's exit from Arsenal is expected but will still sadden fans as it marks the end of a decade-defining spell for the club. Known for her versatility, movement, and finishing, Mead has been a standout performer at the Emirates Stadium. Even at 31, her quality remains such that she could start for most WSL teams. However, with the World Cup in Brazil approaching next year, her move to a club offering more playing time is understandable to stay in England manager Sarina Wiegman's plans.