Arsenal Women enter the new season with a crystal‑clear mission: to reclaim the Women's Super League crown and erase the missteps of recent campaigns. Midfielder Mariona Caldentey summed it up for Sky Sports, stating the team’s ambition is simple – "we want to go and win the league." Defender Lotte Wubben‑Moy echoed the sentiment, confirming that the WSL trophy sits at the top of the squad’s priority list.
The Gunners have not lifted the league since 2019, and the four‑year gap has only intensified their resolve. "The fans want the WSL title as much as we do," Wubben‑Moy told the broadcaster, adding that adding another trophy to Arsenal’s illustrious collection of fifteen senior honours is a shared goal.
Caldentey, while dreaming of a clean sweep of all possible silverware, emphasized that the league remains the primary focus. Consistency has been a recurring issue for Arsenal in recent years. "We've struggled with consistency, but if we can find it, the league will be within reach," Caldentey explained.
She highlighted that success in the WSL demands excellence in every single match, a demanding standard that the team is now adopting as its new mindset. "It's a tough challenge, but that's the mentality we have now – we want to be the best every week," she added. The competition has grown dramatically, with more clubs investing heavily in talent and infrastructure.
"There are so many good teams now, and they are also signing quality players this summer. The league improves each year, which is fantastic for the competition," Wubben‑Moy observed.
She praised the overall development of women's football, noting the rise in professional facilities, stadiums and fan engagement. Arsenal finished the previous campaign four points shy of champions Manchester City.
Although the Gunners secured the inaugural Women's Champions Cup, they fell short in the domestic cup competitions, exiting the FA Cup at the quarter‑final stage and the League Cup in the semi‑finals. A sluggish start to the league, a pattern that has emerged in recent seasons, cost them dearly. Recognising the importance of a strong opening, Wubben‑Moy stressed that a swift start could be decisive for the title chase. "We had a good six‑to‑seven‑week pre‑season, which is a luxury in our game.
It gave us the chance to build on what we already have and integrate new signings smoothly," she said. "I'm ready to help correct the mistakes of past seasons.
As an experienced player, I've been through those early‑season struggles before, and we can certainly improve." Defensively, Arsenal aims to replicate last season’s record of conceding the fewest goals. "Our history shows that defensive solidity underpins our success. We want to build on that foundation and make it the core of our title challenge," Wubben‑Moy explained.
The club’s transfer activity this summer reflects a clear strategy to add quality, experience and depth. Seven new players arrived, headlined by England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Other arrivals include seasoned internationals Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodríguez, Lisa Baum and Isabella Damm. Wubben‑Moy welcomed the influx of talent, noting that the new faces bring both skill and character to an already resilient squad.
"We have added a lot of quality, experience and personality. This depth excites me and gives us more options throughout the season," she said. She also highlighted the broader growth of the women’s game, emphasizing the need for agility and adaptability as the sport evolves rapidly. Stanway’s signing was particularly noteworthy.
Caldentey, who has faced the 27‑year‑old at the international level and in club competition against Bayern, expressed enthusiasm about finally playing alongside her. "I have a lot of respect for Georgia as a player, and I’m thrilled to have her on our side now. In training we already feel a strong connection, and I look forward to developing that on the pitch," Caldentey remarked.
The incoming players have made an immediate impact in training, showcasing technical ability and composure. "Georgia loves the ball, is an excellent passer and brings a creative spark.
She’s a real asset for us," Caldentey added. While Arsenal bolstered their roster, they also said goodbye to several seasoned internationals, including Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger. Caldentey acknowledged the loss of experience but framed it as an opportunity for remaining and new players to step up.
"When big players leave, it opens doors for others. We have a good balance of youth and experience among our signings, and we’re confident they’re ready to fill the void," she said. The memory of last season’s celebrations still lingers. Both the men’s and women’s teams paraded through North London after the men clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years and the women lifted the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup against Corinthians.
For Wubben‑Moy, the connection with supporters is a vital component of the club’s identity and a potential catalyst for success. "Seeing the fans line the streets, feeling that energy – it creates an even deeper bond.
That support is a huge advantage for us," she reflected. Looking ahead, Arsenal’s objectives are clear: start the league strongly, maintain defensive rigidity, integrate the new signings effectively, and harness the passionate fanbase to propel the team to its first WSL triumph since 2019. With a blend of seasoned leaders, fresh talent and a renewed focus on consistency, the Gunners are determined to right the wrongs of previous seasons and bring the league trophy back to Highbury.