- Vivianne Miedema has scored over a 100 goals for Arsenal since joining in 2017
- The Dutch striker has struggled with injury since an ACL tear in December 2022
- Erik ten Hag has ‘lost the plot’ in ‘CAR-CRASH’ head coach role at Man United – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Manchester City are targeting a move for Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer after Arsenal confirmed she would leave the club at the end of the season.
Miedema has interest from multiple clubs, but Mail Sport understands City are keen on luring the Dutch forward to Joie Stadium in what would be a major coup for Gareth Taylor’s side.
Mail Sport understands it was a club decision not to renew Miedema’s contract, but the forward is highly thought of and is set to be given a farewell when the Gunners play Brighton at Meadow Park on Saturday.
‘After seven special years, it’s time for my Arsenal journey to come to an end,’ Miedema said in a video posted by Arsenal on social media.
‘To have represented a club like this with so much history and and tradition has been an absolute honour, so above all else I’d like to say thank you for making this chapter of my life so memorable.
Vivianne Miedema has confirmed that she will leave Arsenal on the expiration of her contract this summer
It would represent a huge coup for Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City to sign the WSL record goal scorer
‘In football you never know quite how long you’ll be somewhere You’ve got to enjoy each moment as it comes. But early on at Arsenal I knew this was the place for me to grow and challenge myself as a player and as a person too.’
Miedema continued: ‘I’ve never cared much about personal accolades, but being able to help the team and and scoring goals in an Arsenal shirt has always been something I’m very proud of.
‘The last two seasons have been tough for me with injury and missing two cup finals, but this is a team sport and we’ve all got our own roles to play. I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of my team-mates and friends, and out of all my goals at Arsenal, my first one back against Liverpool stands out for that very reason.
‘It’s always been an honour to represent the Arsenal, and it’s been a pleasure to play with many talented players, ex-team-mates and fellow Dutchies. Without all these amazing team-mates and of course, you, the fans, my story here wouldn’t have been as special as it was. So thank you for everything Arsenal.’
The tribute video did not include any quotes from Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall.
Arsenal’s Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: ‘On behalf of everyone at the club, we thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us.
‘Viv’s goals and overall performances as an Arsenal player have been of the highest quality, and she has created so many wonderful memories for us over the years. We wish Viv and her family the best of health and happiness for the future.’
City are currently in a title shoot-out with Chelsea, while Arsenal are set to finish third for a second successive season.
Miedema, who has been with the club since 2017, was close to leaving in the summer of 2022 but chose to sign a one-year deal with the option of an extra year, which was taken up at the end of last season.
Miedema’s departure comes after seven years in north London, netting more than 100 goals
The forward has endured a difficult 18 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in December 2022. She made her return in October but has suffered multiple set-backs and required further surgery in March.
The 27-year-old made another return from injury in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Leicester last month but is still working her way back to full fitness.
Miedema is the Women’s Super League’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 and has over 100 goals for Arsenal.
She also holds the record for most goals scored in a single WSL season (22) and the most goals scored in a single match (6).
