Rafaelle Souza, Arsenal’s key Brazilian defender, is confirmed to depart on a free transfer, marking an end to her noteworthy but short time at the club.

• Rafaelle Souza, Arsenal’s key defender, is to exit the club on a free transfer, possibly heading to Orlando in the US-League.
• Souza’s departure, coupled with Leah Williamson’s ongoing injury, leaves Arsenal with three fit centre-backs, hinting at potential new signings in the summer transfer window.
• Arsenal faces significant decisions around the existing players and new signings in response to Souza’s departure and the overall team’s balance.

In a surprising turn of events, Rafaelle Souza, the Brazilian centre-back for Arsenal, is set to leave the club on a free transfer as her contract expires at the end of this season.

Rafaelle, who joined Arsenal in January 2022, has played a crucial role during her tenure, making 35 appearances, and scoring four noteworthy goals, including one against Tottenham Hotspur in front of a record Barclays Women’s Super League crowd at the Emirates Stadium.

With this sudden departure, Arsenal are left with three fit centre-backs: Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jennifer Beattie, whose contract is also due to end this month, and Teyah Goldie, who is still in her teens.

Leah Williamson, recovering from an ACL injury, remains a way off from returning to the pitch, leaving a visible void in Arsenal’s defence.

This shift indicates a busy summer transfer window for Arsenal, set to be open from 26 June to 14 September.

There’s considerable anticipation that the club might sign four or five new players to bolster the squad. The hope is that this departure has been anticipated and a top player identified for signing. The team could benefit from a competent, left-footed centre-back to maintain the squad balance.

Speculation around the team’s strategy is ripe, with one suggesting a shift of Steph Catley to centre-back, akin to Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role in the men’s team.

This would then necessitate recruiting a tactically-strong left-back. Another alternative involves extending Jennifer Beattie’s contract, considering her recent strong performances, especially when using a back three formation or in situations requiring substantial aerial prowess.

A significant consideration surrounds Teyah Goldie’s development. Given her lengthy layoff due to an ACL injury, she needs substantial game time. However, being the third or fourth choice centre-back could limit her playing time unless she’s being groomed as an understudy to Lia

Rafaelle says goodbye to Arsenal fans

Rafaelle has written a heartfelt farewell letter to the Arsenal family, expressing her deep affection for the club and the unique bond she has formed with it over her 18-months at the club.

Rafaelle said, “When I first arrived here at Arsenal, I couldn’t believe how everyone welcomed me in. I received so much love from all of our supporters, my teammates and the staff, and I was instantly made to feel like I was part of the Arsenal family.”

In her goodbye letter, she praises the club’s welcoming environment and culture, “This place is something special and any player who has the honour of wearing the Arsenal badge is very, very lucky to do so.”

She also emphasises the deep bond she formed with her teammates, calling them some of the “most amazing people I’ve ever met with incredible talent and the biggest hearts.”

As she contemplates her departure, she shows gratitude and pride for having represented Arsenal, “I’m so incredibly proud to say that I’ve been able to represent this historic club. I’m sad that my journey with Arsenal ends here, but I’m leaving with nothing but special memories and pride over what we’ve been able to achieve together.”

Regarding her decision to leave, Rafaelle explains, “I feel like I’m at that point in my career where I’m 31 years old and I need to start thinking about my next career. I need to think about my future. Arsenal have given me everything, but for personal reasons I need something different in my life now.”

Despite her departure, Rafaelle is confident about the club’s future, “It’s really hard for me to leave this club because I know that this team is working towards something really special and I know they’re going to achieve so much next season.” She also promises to remain a loyal supporter of the club, “I’ll be watching every game next season on my TV and for years to come. Arsenal is part of my heart now and I’ll be back at Emirates Stadium soon.”

She ends her letter with a sincere expression of her bond with Arsenal, “Once a Gooner, always a Gooner. Rafa.”

As Rafaelle prepares for her next journey, her legacy at Arsenal remains intact, her contributions invaluable, and her place in the Arsenal family forever secure.