Arsenal officially confirm goalkeeper to leave after 8 years at club

Arsenal Women have confirmed that goalkeeper Naomi Williams will leave the club when her contract expires at the end of the 2025–26 season, bringing an end to an eight-year association with the north London side.

The 21-year-old academy graduate departs after progressing through Arsenal’s youth setup into the senior squad, having been regarded as one of the club’s promising young goalkeepers.

The announcement was made by Arsenal in an official statement earlier this week, with the club thanking Williams for her contribution and development since joining the academy at the age of 13. Arsenal said the goalkeeper would leave upon the expiry of her current contract this summer.

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Williams’ departure comes during a period of transition within Arsenal Women’s goalkeeping department. Austria international Manuela Zinsberger is also set to leave the club at the end of the campaign, while Arsenal continue to build around first-choice goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar following her arrival from Aston Villa in 2024.

The young goalkeeper spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Bristol City in search of first-team experience before being recalled by Arsenal during the January transfer window due to injuries within the squad. Despite her highly rated status within the academy, opportunities at senior level remained limited because of strong competition in Arsenal’s first-team setup.

Williams confirmed her decision to leave through an emotional social media farewell message in which she reflected on her journey at the club. The goalkeeper described Arsenal as the club that “built” her and admitted leaving was one of the hardest decisions she had made.

During her time at Arsenal, Williams trained regularly with the senior squad and was part of several successful periods for the women’s team. Although she did not make a competitive senior appearance, she featured in Arsenal’s friendly match against the A-League Women All Stars in Australia in 2024 and impressed with several important saves.

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She was also part of the wider squad that celebrated major honours in recent years, including Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in 2025 and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup success earlier in 2026.

Reports surrounding Arsenal Women in recent weeks have suggested the club are preparing for a busy summer, with several contract situations still unresolved as they attempt to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.

The departures of experienced figures and academy graduates alike are expected to open space for new arrivals and further restructuring under Renee Slegers.

Williams now leaves Arsenal seeking regular first-team football elsewhere as she looks to continue her development at senior level. Despite not breaking fully into Arsenal’s competitive starting plans, she remains highly regarded as a talented young goalkeeper with strong potential for the future.

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