Arsenal Naomi Williams
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Women have confirmed that highly rated young goalkeeper Naomi Williams has joined Bristol City on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (BWSL2) campaign.
The move is designed to provide the 20-year-old England youth international with consistent first-team action as she continues her development in a competitive environment.
Williams, who signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in June 2023, has been a regular presence on the bench in recent seasons, including during the Gunners’ UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in 2025.
READ MORE: BREAKING! Arsenal working on deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star
While she has yet to make a senior competitive appearance, the London-born shot-stopper impressed during a pre-season friendly against the A-League All-Stars in May 2024, producing a key save to secure a 1-0 win.
Arsenal goalkeeper Naomi Williams
Arsenal goalkeeper Naomi Williams (Image credit: Getty Images)
Praised internally for her athleticism, strong work ethic, and sharp reflexes, Williams has honed her skills in training alongside senior goalkeepers Manuela Zinsberger and Daphne van Domselaar.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Her loan to Bristol City, who are seeking promotion back to the WSL after their 2023/24 relegation, is seen as a crucial step in her development. Based at Ashton Gate Stadium, the club will be counting on Williams to play a vital role in their promotion push, with two automatic promotion places and a playoff spot up for grabs in this season’s format.
Williams follows a familiar pathway for Arsenal academy graduates, joining the likes of Freya Godfrey and Michelle Agyemang, who have benefited from loan spells to gain valuable match experience. The move reflects Arsenal’s strategy of preparing young talents for top-flight competition through carefully managed loan opportunities.
With Bristol City eager for an immediate return to the WSL, Williams will have the chance to prove herself as a reliable presence between the posts throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Merino delivers strong verdict on Arsenal new signings after Anfield defeat