Arsenal have received a formal transfer offer from a newly promoted club in a bid to sign the 30-year-old striker this summer.
London City Lionesses have submitted a formal bid to sign Arsenal and England forward Beth Mead, according to Sky Sports News.
The ambitious Women’s Super League newcomers are looking to make a major statement ahead of their debut season in the top flight, but prising Mead away from Arsenal is expected to be a significant challenge.
Mead, 30, has been a vital part of Arsenal’s success since her arrival from Sunderland in 2017. A fan favourite and leader on and off the pitch, she has racked up 225 appearances and scored 78 goals for the Gunners. Her list of honours includes a Women’s Super League title, three League Cups, and most recently, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where she assisted Stina Blackstenius’ decisive goal in the 2025 final against Barcelona.
Arsenal are understood to place a high value on Mead, who signed a multi-year contract extension in December 2022. Sources indicate that only a “significant offer” would prompt the club to consider her departure. Mead remains central to head coach Renee Slegers’ plans, and her influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Nonetheless, London City’s approach reflects their growing ambition. The club made history as the first independent side to earn promotion to the WSL and have been active in the transfer market, already signing Mead’s former Arsenal and England teammate, Nikita Parris. A reunion between the two could form one of the league’s most exciting attacking duos.
Should the move materialise, it would represent a landmark signing for the Lionesses and a major statement of intent as they prepare to compete with established giants like Chelsea and Arsenal in the 2025/26 campaign.
Mead’s international pedigree only strengthens her appeal. With 74 caps for England, she played a starring role in the Lionesses’ back-to-back European Championship triumphs, earning the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament in 2022 before helping them retain the title in Switzerland this summer.
The women’s transfer market has seen unprecedented activity in recent weeks. Arsenal themselves made history by signing Liverpool’s Olivia Smith for a world-record £1 million – the first seven-figure transfer in the women’s game.
Meanwhile, London City’s pursuit of Mead underscores the increasing investment and competitiveness within the WSL, which is set for an exciting new chapter with Sky Sports broadcasting the majority of matches under a new five-year deal.
