Arsenal keen on unsettled Lionesses’ goalkeeper Mary Earps

In the lead-up to the Women’s Super League transfer deadline, Mary Earps, England’s standout goalkeeper, is purportedly keen to depart Manchester United, intensifying speculation over a move to Arsenal.

England's goalkeeper #01 Mary Earps poses after receiving the 'Golden Glove' award at the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
England’s goalkeeper #01 Mary Earps poses after receiving the ‘Golden Glove’ award at the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Discontent at Carrington

England's goalkeeper #01 Mary Earps dives to save a penalty during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
England’s goalkeeper #01 Mary Earps dives to save a penalty during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Returning from an exceptional World Cup performance last month, Mary Earps has reportedly been notably distant at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground.

Her demeanour has reportedly shifted since her return, fuelling rumours that she wishes to part ways with the club.

Arsenal’s overtures

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Manuela Zinsberger of Arsenal celebrates following the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on March 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Manuela Zinsberger of Arsenal celebrates following the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern München at Emirates Stadium on March 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arsenal, already strong in the goalkeeping department with Manuela Zinsberger and Sabrina D’Angelo, remain interested.

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Earlier in the summer, the club tabled a substantial offer exceeding £100,000.

Despite this, United seem reticent to sell Earps, complicating matters ahead of the transfer deadline.

Contractual Stalemate

Earps’ situation is compounded by another contractual situation with Manchester United similar to the one that saw Alessia Russo leave.

While the club activated a one-year extension this summer, hopes of securing her on a long-term basis look increasingly bleak.

Russo’s Move: A Precursor?

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Alessia Russo of England celebrates after scoring her team's third goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 16: Alessia Russo of England celebrates after scoring her team’s third goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The transition of Alessia Russo from Manchester United to Arsenal earlier this summer underscores the feasibility of such moves between the two WSL giants.

Russo rejected an offer that would have made her United’s highest-paid player, opting for a fresh start at Arsenal instead.

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