Leah Williamson signs new Arsenal contract

Arsenal defender Leah Williamson has committed her future to the club by signing a new contract.

The 27-year-old is among the longest-serving players at the club as she joined their centre of excellence 19 years ago. In that time, she has made 232 appearances for the Gunners and scored 15 goals across all competitions.

Trophy wise, the Lionesses captain won one WSL title with Arsenal in 2018/19, as well as two FA Cups and four Continental Tyres League Cups. With England, she led the team to glory at the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022.

However, Williamson was forced to miss the end of the 2022/23 season, last summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the beginning of the 23/24 campaign due to an ACL injury sustained in April last year. She made her long-awaited return to action in January as Arsenal triumphed in the Conti Cup against Reading, ending a nine month spell on the sidelines.

"Everyone knows what Arsenal means to me, but I think every time I sign a new contract, I feel that love ignite all over again," Williamson told club media. "I'm very happy to be staying – this is a place where I can still continue to grow, develop and be challenged.

"As a group, we're all very focused on bringing more silverware to this club and I can't wait to get started again when the new season comes around."

Manager Jonas Eidevall added: "Leah is an essential part of our team so we're delighted she has signed a new contract with us. She brings us so much on and off the pitch – leadership, accountability and commitment. 

"Leah has a special bond with Arsenal and I’m looking forward to continuing to work together to bring more success to this great club."

Arsenal's director of women's football Clare Wheatley continued: "Leah's connection with Arsenal runs so deep – I can remember her as a girl in our academy many years ago, and I’m so proud of the determined, passionate woman she has become.

"We're thrilled that Leah has signed a new deal here and I know our supporters will join me in congratulating her today."

Williamson joins forward Stina Blackstenius as the latest player to extend their stay in north London. However, the club decided not to offer the WSL's leading goalscorer Vivianne Miedema a new deal as the Dutch forward played her final game for the club against Brighton earlier this month.

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