With the WSL summer transfer window now in full swing, here are all the key things that have happened within the last week.
Georgia is a Gunner
WSL transfer round-up: Stanway to Arsenal and Bronze extends contract
The addition of Georgia Stanway is a massive coup in terms of quality, experience, and age for Arsenal's midfield. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
On Friday (July 3rd), Arsenal announced the signing of two-time European Championship-winning midfielder Georgia Stanway, joining on a free transfer after deciding to see out her contract at Bayern Munich in the winter.
The Lionesses midfielder returns to England, having spent a year at Blackburn Rovers before spending seven years at Manchester City, winning seven trophies, including a Women’s Super League title in 2016.
For the current World Champions, it’s an important improvement in a position that needed to be built on, with just four senior players able to fill that role: Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum, Kim Little, and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
With captain Little now 36, and heading into what should be the final year of her Arsenal career, the signing of Stanway not only allows for a transition now, but also for years to come.
Bronze extends at Chelsea
England defender Lucy Bronze will continue her career in West London, having signed a contract extension with Chelsea until 2027. She has made 56 appearances since joining in 2024, and has won four trophies including the WSL and a Women’s FA Cup.
Bronze cited Chelsea’s decision to move all their WSL matches from Kings Meadow to Stamford Bridge as a key reason why she chose to stay.
“I've really enjoyed the last two years being at Chelsea and being back in England, and I feel like we're in a place now where we're moving forward as a club.
“The game's growing at such a fast rate, and you see other teams playing in the big stadiums as well. “
“I think we can accommodate more of our fans, get more people to Stamford Bridge, and more people supporting Chelsea Women.
“Being at the Bridge is the right step for the team.”
Blues also sign Matsukubo
Manaka Matsukubo was also another one to have signed for Chelsea, in what has been regarded as a significant coup for Sonia Bompastor’s side.
The 22-year-old Japanese attacking midfielder joins from North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, where she was named the midfielder of the season last season, also becoming the youngest player in the NWSL to score a hat-trick at the age of 21 years, and 81 days, against Bay FC in October 2025.
Chelsea need improvement in attack, having scored just 44 goals in the WSL last season, their lowest total since the 19/20 season, and adding Matsukubo, who offers versatility in being able to play as a number 10 and as a centre forward, will give Bompastor belief that they can significantly improve that total heading into 26/27.
Anyomi’s blockbuster move to South London
It’s been a busy beginning to the transfer window for London City Lionesses, who are looking to build on an astonishing 6th place finish in their debut season. One of the biggest coups is a free transfer for Germany striker Nicole Anyomi.
Anyomi had just come off a fruitful season in front of goal with 13 goals in 23 games, as Frankfurt finished third in the Frauen-Bundesliga, securing a spot in the qualification rounds for the Women’s Champions League.
It was an area that London City needed to improve in significantly, considering that Isobel Goodwin and Freya Godfrey were the only players to have scored more than two goals in the WSL for them last season.
Round up of other news
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Arsenal have also completed the signing of German forward, Seline Cerci on a free transfer, after her Hoffenheim contract expired in the summer.
Manchester United completed the signing of 22-year-old Spanish defender Andrea Medina from Atletico Madrid, signing a four-year contract with the option of an extension.
Swedish forward Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has left Chelsea after four years in West London to join Women’s Champions League finalists Lyon.
Lia Walti returns to the WSL, with the former Arsenal midfielder and Champions League winner in 2025 with the Gunners heading to Women’s FA Cup finalists Brighton.
Chelsea announced on Monday (July 6th) that homegrown talent Aggie Beever-Jones has signed a new contract until 2030.