Arsenal enter this campaign with a crystal‑clear objective: to reclaim the Women’s Super League crown. Midfielder Mariona Caldentey summed it up for Sky Sports, saying the team’s sole ambition is to win the league.
Defender Lotte Wubben‑Moy echoed the sentiment, confirming that the WSL trophy sits at the top of everyone’s wish list. The Gunners have not lifted the league since 2019, and the four‑year gap has only sharpened their resolve.
"Our supporters want the title just as much as we do," Wubben‑Moy told the broadcaster. "We aim to add another trophy to Arsenal’s storied collection of fifteen major honours." Caldentey added that while she would love to win every piece of silverware available, the league remains the primary focus. The team has struggled with consistency in recent seasons, and she believes that finding a steady rhythm will bring them within striking distance of first place. "You have to be at your best in every single match to finish top," she explained.
"That’s a tough challenge, but it’s the mindset we’ve adopted." The competition in the WSL has never been fiercer. Caldentey noted the surge in quality across the division, with more clubs signing top‑class players during the summer window.
"The league improves year after year, which is fantastic for the sport. We now have excellent teams, world‑class players, modern stadiums and state‑of‑the‑art facilities – all of which elevate women's football as a whole." Arsenal finished the previous season four points adrift of champions Manchester City. Although they captured the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup, they failed to defend that title and bowed out of the FA Cup in the quarter‑finals and the League Cup in the semi‑finals.
A sluggish start to the league, a pattern that has emerged in recent years, cost Rene Slegers’ side dearly. Wubben‑Moy is keenly aware that a strong opening run will be vital to any title challenge. She spoke about "righting the wrongs" of earlier campaigns, emphasizing the value of a lengthy pre‑season. "We enjoyed six to seven weeks of preparation – a luxury in women’s football.
It gave us time to solidify the core group and integrate new arrivals. Now we’re ready to leave the past behind and focus on the present." Defensively, Arsenal have a proud heritage of solidity, and Wubben‑Moy sees the back line as the foundation for a title push.
"Last season we conceded the fewest goals in the league. We want to build on that defensive record and make it the bedrock of our success this year. We fell short before, but we intend to correct those mistakes now." The summer transfer window saw Arsenal act early and decisively, bringing in seven new faces.
England midfielder Georgia Stanway arrived on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, joining fellow internationals Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodríguez, Lisa Baum and Isabella Damm. Wubben‑Moy praised the influx of quality and experience, noting that it adds depth and character to an already robust squad.
"The new players bring a lot of talent and personality," she said. "Their arrival, combined with the existing character of the team, makes us more adaptable and competitive. As a seasoned player, I feel a responsibility to help them settle in and grow." Stanway’s signing was a headline grabber.
Caldentey, who has faced the 27‑year‑old in international fixtures and in club clashes against Bayern, expressed genuine excitement about teaming up with her. "I have a huge amount of respect for Georgia. Playing against her taught me a lot, and now having her as a teammate is fantastic.
You can already see the chemistry developing in training, and I’m eager to see it translate onto the pitch." Caldentey also highlighted Stanway’s technical attributes, describing her as a player who loves the ball, makes incisive passes and possesses a natural flair – qualities that will enrich Arsenal’s attacking play. While Arsenal bolstered their ranks, they also said goodbye to several veterans, 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 younger squad members to step up.
"Football is a cycle of arrivals and departures. We have a good blend of seasoned professionals and promising youngsters ready to fill any gaps." The memory of last season’s celebrations still lingers.
Both the men’s and women’s squads paraded through North London after the men secured their first Premier League title in 22 years and the women lifted the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup against Corinthians. Wubben‑Moy believes that the deep bond between the club and its fans can fuel the women’s title chase.
"I remember being a young girl watching the stadium fill with fans, and in recent years we’ve experienced that atmosphere ourselves," she reflected. "We have a duty to serve our supporters, and moments like the victory parade strengthen that connection. It’s a huge advantage for us as a club." Looking ahead, Arsenal are determined to start the season strongly, avoid the slow‑burn pitfalls of the past, and harness the blend of new talent and veteran leadership. With a fortified defence, an expanded attacking arsenal, and a supportive fan base, the Gunners are poised to rewrite their recent WSL narrative and aim for the summit once again.