In the end, Arsenal's long-standing interest, as the first club to express a desire to sign her, proved to be "massive" for Stanway, who was also excited about the opportunity to play in midfield with Kim Little, the Gunners' iconic captain, and Mariona Caldentey,who finished runner-up in the voting for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. "I would love to play with Kim and Mariona," she said. "Kim is still unbelievable, but she’s not going to play forever."
Other factors included the playing style at the club and the fact she could see where she fits into the team, plus the family feel she got when in discussions. It's something Stanway has heard about plenty from Williamson "and now I'm part of it," she said. "It feels a little surreal."
She has committed to the cause in an incredible way, too, with her unveiling marked by a video of her getting a tattoo that reads 'whatever the weather', a lyric from 'North London Forever', which is sang at the Emirates Stadium before every Arsenal game. "I do believe this was the best move I could have made for my football and life," Stanway said.