A key Arsenal defender is at the centre of growing transfer interest, with London City Lionesses confirming their intent to make a permanent move.
London City Lionesses have confirmed their intention to make a permanent bid for Teyah Goldie at the end of the season, a move that would see them attempt to prise the highly rated defender away from Arsenal.
Manager Jocelyn Prêcheur has praised her development and performances but acknowledged that securing her long-term will not be straightforward.
The 20-year-old, currently on loan at London City Lionesses, was permitted to play in their recent FA Cup clash against her parent club, while Freya Godfrey, also on loan, was not. This was due to the nature of their loan agreements: Goldie’s season-long deal was arranged in the summer before the cup tie was drawn, while Godfrey’s more recent move knew the match was on the horizon.
Since signing her first professional contract with Arsenal on her 18th birthday in June 2022, Goldie has remained highly regarded within the club, yet her pathway into the first team remains blocked by the presence of Leah Williamson, Laia Codina, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, and Amanda Ilestedt. Loan spells have been vital in continuing her development, though injury setbacks, including an ACL rupture while at Watford, have stalled her progress.
A product of Arsenal’s academy, Goldie made her senior debut for the club in April 2021 during a 10–0 FA Cup rout of Gillingham Women before featuring in the Champions League just months later. Since then, she has continued her rise, representing England from U15 to U23 level and making her debut for the under-23s in a European League match against Portugal in October 2024.
With her loan at London City Lionesses due to expire at the end of the season, the Championship side’s intent to sign her permanently raises questions about Arsenal’s plans for their homegrown talent. The club’s depth in defence suggests opportunities will be limited, but whether they are willing to part with a player who has been earmarked as a future first-team option remains to be seen.