Manchester City are reportedly pursuing Vivianne Miedema, the Women’s Super League’s record goalscorer, following her confirmed departure from Arsenal.

With Miedema preferring to stay in England, City aim to strengthen their attack in a bid to secure both domestic and European titles.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Beth Mead of Arsenal interacts with Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal WFC and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC at Meadow Park on September 16, 2022 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Beth Mead of Arsenal interacts with Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal during the FA Women’s Super League match between Arsenal WFC and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC at Meadow Park on September 16, 2022 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Manchester City are targeting Vivianne Miedema, the Women’s Super League’s all-time top goalscorer, after Arsenal announced her departure at the end of the season.

Miedema’s preferred destination: England

Despite attracting interest from clubs abroad, Miedema, who is in a relationship with Arsenal winger Beth Mead, has reportedly expressed a desire to continue her career in England. This preference has seemingly opened the door for Manchester City to potentially secure the forward.

Arsenal‘s decision not to offer Miedema a new contract was met with Mead‘s apparent displeasure with The Times reporting she liked a post criticising Arsenal‘s decision before later removing it.

Potential impact on City’s attack

DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal battles for possession with Honoka Hayashi of West Ham United during the Barclays Women's Super League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at Chigwell Construction Stadium on February 04, 2024 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal battles for possession with Honoka Hayashi of West Ham United during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at Chigwell Construction Stadium on February 04, 2024 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Miedema, 27, is considered one of the world’s elite forwards, boasting 125 goals in 172 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Bayern Munich in 2017. Her potential arrival at City would undoubtedly strengthen their attacking lineup, which already boasts the league’s leading scorer, Khadija Shaw, and England’s experienced winger, Lauren Hemp.

Overcoming challenges, leaving a legacy

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Kim Little of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Vivianne Miedema and Lina Hurtig after scoring their team's second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Women´s Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg match between Arsenal and AFC Ajax at Meadow Park on September 20, 2022 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Kim Little of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Vivianne Miedema and Lina Hurtig after scoring their team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Women´s Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg match between Arsenal and AFC Ajax at Meadow Park on September 20, 2022 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Despite her impressive record, Miedema has faced setbacks due to an ACL injury picked up in December 2022. Although she returned to action in October, she has struggled to replicate her previous goal-scoring form, netting only five times in 16 games across the last two seasons. This season, she has started just three league matches and underwent minor knee surgery in March.

Miedema‘s departure marks the end of an era for Arsenal. Sporting Director Edu Gaspar acknowledged her immense contribution, stating, “We thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us.” Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley echoed this sentiment, emphasising Miedema‘s special place in the hearts of Arsenal supporters.

Miedema’s heartfelt farewell

In her farewell message, Miedema expressed gratitude for her time at Arsenal, saying, “My time at Arsenal will be forever with me and I’m grateful for all the special memories.” She reflected on her journey with the club, from early triumphs to overcoming challenges, and acknowledged the unwavering support from fans and teammates.

Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona who is also out of contract this summer.