The forward leaves with five major trophies
Arsenal have confirmed that Beth Mead will leave the club this summer when her contract expires, bringing an end to one of the most popular spells of the modern era.
Mead joined Arsenal from Sunderland nine years ago and leaves with a significant collection of medals.
She won the WSL title, three League Cups, one FIFA Champions Cup and one UEFA Women’s Champions League, contributing 86 goals and 78 assists in 265 appearances.
If rumours are to be believed, Arsenal wanted to let one of Caitlin Foord or Mead leave and would have preferred to keep the latter.
It has not worked out that way, and Mead becomes the fifth confirmed departure, with Manuela Zinsberger, Naomi Williams, Laia Codina and Victoria Pelova also leaving.
It is believed the announcements are being made now so supporters can say their goodbyes at the final home game of the season on Wednesday.
Director of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley, said: “Beth has made a huge contribution to our football club over nine years, and will go down in history as one of our best forwards and a legend of the club. Beth is such a special person and will always be welcome at Arsenal. I know our supporters will join me in wishing Beth happiness and success in her future endeavours.”
Mead has been linked with a move to Manchester City, where she would link up with her partner, Vivianne Miedema.
- Arsenal 23yo target sends clear message over futureJavi Guerra says he wants to stay at Valencia despite reported interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.
- Club to let €22m Arsenal loan option expire to negotiate lower feeHamburg want to keep Fabio Vieira but are set to let their €22m option expire and negotiate a lower fee with Arsenal.
- Arsenal close to €20m deal for 18yo attacking midfielderA deal is on the horizon for Vasilije Kostov to join Arsenal for a fee that could reach €20m when including add-ons, according to a report from Serbia.
- Ex-Arsenal youngster suffers knee injury ahead of World CupFormer Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores has suffered a worrying knee injury just weeks before he was due to represent Canada at the World Cup.
- Arsenal parade: All the details, photos, videoArsenal’s Champions Parade will take place in Islington on Sunday from 2pm, with both the men’s and women’s teams involved.