- Vivianne Miedema has scored more than 100 goals for Arsenal since joining in 2017
- The Dutch striker has been struggling with an injury since a cruciate ligament tear in December 2022
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Manchester City are targeting a free transfer for Vivianne Miedema after Arsenal confirmed she would leave the club at the end of the season.
Miedema has interest from several clubs, but Mail Sport understands that City are keen to lure the Dutch striker to the Joie Stadium, which 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 striker is highly rated and will part ways with the Gunners against Brighton at Meadow Park on Saturday.
“After seven special years, it is time for my Arsenal journey to end,” Miedema said in a video posted by Arsenal on social media.
‘It has been an absolute honor to represent a club like this with so much history and tradition, so above all I would like to thank you for making this chapter of my life so memorable.
Vivianne Miedema has confirmed she will leave Arsenal when her contract expires this summer
It would be a huge coup for Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City to sign the WSL record goalscorer
‘In football you never know how long you will stay somewhere. You have to enjoy every moment as it comes. But from early on at Arsenal I knew this was the place where I could grow and challenge myself as a player and as a person.”
Miedema continued: ‘I’ve never cared much about personal accolades, but being able to help the team and score goals in an Arsenal shirt has always been something I’m very proud of.
‘The last two seasons have been tough for me with injuries and missing two cup finals, but this is a team sport and we all have our own role to play. I have been fortunate to have the support of my teammates and friends, and of all my goals at Arsenal, my first goal against Liverpool stands out for that reason.
‘It has always been an honor to represent Arsenal, and it has been a pleasure to play with many talented players, ex-teammates and compatriots. Without all these great teammates 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 contain any quotes from Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall.
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank Viv for her huge contribution to the team’s success during her seven years with us.
“Viv’s goals and overall performances as an Arsenal player were 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 locked in a title fight with Chelsea, while Arsenal will finish in third place for the second consecutive season.
Miedema, who has been with the club since 2017, was on the verge of leaving in the summer of 2022 but opted to sign a one-year contract with the option for an additional year, which was taken up at the end of last season.
Miedema’s departure comes after seven years in North London, during which he scored more than a hundred goals
The attacker has had a difficult eighteen months after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in December 2022. She made her return in October, but suffered several setbacks and had to undergo further surgery in March.
The 27-year-old returned from injury again in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Leicester last month but is still working her way back to full fitness.
Miedema is the Women’s Super League’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals and more than 100 goals for Arsenal.
She also holds the record for most goals scored in a single WSL season (22) and most goals scored in a single match (6).