Stanway’s free transfer from Bayern to Arsenal is among the standout moves of a striking Women’s Super League window. The midfielder leaves Germany after four trophy-filled seasons and already has two European Championship winners’ medals with England.
A fixture in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, she told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast that playing in the Bundesliga transformed her both on and off the pitch. She said she’s grown more comfortable in herself and enjoys her own time more, and that Munich gave her the trust and responsibility to refine her position and style.
Arriving at the Emirates in her prime, she’s poised to fuel Arsenal’s bid for a first WSL title since 2018–19. Once she heard of Arsenal’s interest, she felt there was only one destination. She wanted the next step and appreciated that Arsenal pursued her even when she wasn’t available, saying it felt good to be wanted. She believes in what the club is building in England and Europe—and wants to be part of a team setting the standard in the women’s game.