Reports from Italy suggest Lia Wälti is close to agreeing a move to Juventus, ending her long spell in north London.
As one of the longest-serving players in the squad, she has been a key figure through her best years in the defensive midfield role, especially under Joe Montemurro as a lone number six, where she excelled in defensive and attacking transitions. In the last two seasons her game time has decreased due to a number of injuries and she has been in and out of the team.
Unless Arsenal have someone ready to sign in the next three days before the transfer window closes, it will mean one less option in central midfield for Renée Slegers. It would also mean the January window would need to see a signing in that position, with another required in the summer 2026 window as Kim Little may retire at 36.
So what are the remaining options right now in central midfield? It looks like Kyra Cooney-Cross will be the first-choice option, with Kim Little or Mariona Caldentey playing alongside her. Those three players should rotate in the double pivot.
There are three others who can play there, two of whom have been tried in pre-season friendlies. Jenna Nighswonger can operate in midfield as well as at left-back and left wing. Being left-footed, she would bring balance to the midfield and open passing lines.
The other player tested in the double pivot is youngster Katie Reid. The centre-back has excellent short passing and reads the game well. She could bring balance to the midfield alongside the more attacking Cooney-Cross.
Victoria Pelova has played in the double pivot under Jonas Eidevall, but Renée Slegers has mainly used her in the number 10 role, where her creativity is more effective higher up the pitch.
As a last resort, one of the three senior centre-backs could be moved forward, as has happened previously at senior or youth level. Laia Codina, Leah Williamson or Lotte Wubben-Moy could play there if not required in their preferred positions.
Arsenal need to bring in a top-class number six sooner rather than later, but the market is currently very limited for players of that profile. It remains to be seen whether clubs will be willing to sell, or if Arsenal will be forced to settle for a secondary option.
According to Tim Stillman, “Arsenal Women are keen on signing Frankfurt’s Swiss midfielder Geraldine Reuteler before the transfer window closes on Thursday”.