Caitlin Foord, a key component of Arsenal’s forward line, has agreed to a contract extension, a development greeted with delight by the Gunners.

• Caitlin Foord signs a new contract with Arsenal, underlining her commitment to the club.
• Since joining Arsenal, Foord has made 94 appearances, netting 35 goals for the Gunners.
• Having already represented Australia in three FIFA World Cups and two Olympics, Foord looks forward to furthering her development at Arsenal.

In a major boost for Arsenal, Australian forward Caitlin Foord has signed a contract extension with the club.

Foord, who made her Arsenal debut against Lewes in the FA Cup in 2020, has become an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to the side’s attacking prowess.

The 28-year-old joined Arsenal from Portland Thorns in the USA. Since then, she has made a total of 94 appearances for the Gunners, marking her time with the team by scoring an impressive 35 goals.

In the 2022/23 season, Foord made her presence felt by scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in her 33 appearances.

Her significant contributions included a brace in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory against reigning European champions Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in October 2022 and against Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Women’s Super League in March 2023.

On the international stage, Foord’s experience is equally impressive.

She represented Australia, fondly known as the Matildas, at three FIFA World Cups and two Olympics, reaching a century of appearances for the national team in April 2022.

Sharing her joy at the contract extension, Foord expressed her satisfaction with the environment at Arsenal and her eagerness to continue her development at the club.

“I couldn’t be happier to extend my stay here at Arsenal,” said Caitlin. “I feel like I’m growing and improving being here in this environment so I don’t want to leave that.

“I want to continue to get better and to help the team – I enjoy going out and training every day and wanting to be better and being surrounded by world-class players. This feels like the right place – the place I want to be.”

Arsenal’s head coach Jonas Eidevall expressed his delight at the news, emphasising Foord’s integral role in the team and her ability to consistently perform at a high standard.

“Caitlin is an integral part of our team so we’re all delighted by the news that she has signed a new contract. She is one of the best forwards in the world and has performed to a consistently high standard for us during my time here, providing some crucial goals and delivering on the biggest stages.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together next season and Caitlin will play a key role in that.”

Clare Wheatley, head of women’s football at Arsenal, echoed Eidevall’s sentiments, expressing the club’s delight at Foord’s decision to extend her contract.

“Everyone at Arsenal is delighted that Caitlin has agreed a new deal here at the club. She is one of the best forwards in the world and her new contract means that she will spend her prime years here at Arsenal, so this is fantastic news for all connected with our club.”

With this decision, Foord is set to spend her prime years with the Gunners, marking an exciting chapter in her career.

Foord joins Frida Maanum and Steph Catley in signing a new deal since the end of the season.