LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: Danielle Van De Donk celebrates with Emma Mitchell after scoring her sides first goal during the Women's Super League 1 match between Arsenal and Bristol City at Meadow Park, Boreham Wood on October 8, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Danielle Carter and Emma Mitchell join Reading

Jul 19, 2020

Emma Mitchell and Danielle Carter have both joined Reading.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Danielle Carter, Jordan Nobbs, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson of Arsenal celebrate with the trophy after the WSL match between Arsenal Women and Manchester City at Meadow Park on May 11, 2019 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) — BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Danielle Carter, Jordan Nobbs, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson of Arsenal celebrate with the trophy after the WSL match between Arsenal Women and Manchester City at Meadow Park on May 11, 2019 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Danielle Carter left Arsenal at the end of her contract this summer with a heavy heart and the best wishes of Arsenal fans everywhere following her 11 years as a Gunner. Two ACL injuries within 14 months destroyed her career at the club and it was announced not that long ago she would not be staying with the club.

Subsequently, she signed for Reading, whose manager Kelly Chambers said, “I am extremely excited to bring Dan to the club. I have watched her career for many years and have always loved the way she plays.

“She is an exciting, explosive player who is definitely one to get the fans on their feet.

danielle carter reading — via Reading FC

“Dan is a great addition to the team and also a great person to have in the group. I cannot wait to work with her and get her back to what she does best, which can be world class.”

At Arsenal, Carter made over 100 appearances for the club, and if you just believed Wikipedia, you’d think she only managed to win one FA Cup in 2016 during her 11 years at the club she joined when she was just 16.

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In fact, she scored the winner in that cup final against Chelsea but also won another in her second season with Arsenal along with the inaugural FA WSL title and the final Women’s Premier League title – that’s back-to-back titles in her first two years with the club.

Carter will be joined at Reading by Emma Mitchell who spent seven years as an Arsenal player, and, although a large part of the last one was spent on loan with Spurs, she made even more appearances for the Gunners than Carter.

While at Arsenal, Mitchell also won two FA Cups, two Conti Cups and the Super League in 2019 when she scored against City on the last day of the season to help clinch the title.

“Emma is part of the Arsenal 100 club, her contribution to the club has been fantastic, and we truly wish her the very best of health and success for her next chapter.” said head coach, Joe Montemurro.

“Emma is a great addition to the squad and is someone who knows what it takes to win and be successful,” Chambers added.

“Personality and character is something I look for in players and Emma’s will definitely add to and fit with the group I have already.

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“I am extremely excited to work with Emma, not only because of her ability but she is a very honest, hard working player who will add that competitive edge to everything we do.”

The new women’s football season is expected to get underway in September, all being well. This season’s Champions League, in which Arsenal are still involved, will conclude with an 8-team tournament next month.

Winning it is the only way Arsenal can qualify for next season’s compeition.