Arsenal Women striker Jodie Taylor has left the club and will join W-League side Melbourne City for six weeks in January, before signing for NWSL outfit Seattle Reign in 2018.

Taylor joined Arsenal from Portland Thorns in 2016, and endured an injury-hit spell in England. Her exit comes just months after she won the Golden Boot award for her five goals for England Women at the European Championships.

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The 31-year-old has led a nomadic playing career that saw her begin at Tranmere, before spells at Boston Renegades, Ottawa Fury Women, Pali Blues, Melbourne Victory, Birmingham City, Lincoln Ladies (loan), Göteborg (loan), Sydney FC and Washington Spirit.

“After two seasons I was ready to get back abroad. My two years at Arsenal were a little bit up and down, not as smooth as I would have hoped going into it, but I learned a lot,” she told BBC Sport.

“I think it was very unfortunate timing of an injury when I signed there and then the focus kind of changed to the national team anyway, but nothing against Arsenal, I think they’re a very professional club.

“From the time when I signed to now, the level of professionalism has increased so much, so from that standpoint I think it’s an excellent club. I think I’m better suited in a league like America and the lifestyle as well away from football.”

In addition to the changes made to the squad, Arsenal have made changes to their managerial set-up too, having replaced Pedro Losa with Joe Montemurro.

Taylor expressed regret that she wouldn’t be able to link up with the new head coach at the club, but wished him and Arsenal Women well for the future.

The plan now is to play for Melbourne in January for six weeks, before she moves to Seattle on a permanent deal.