It's official! Vivianne Miedema joins Manchester City on a three-year deal after leaving Women's Super League rivals Arsenal on a free transfer

The Netherlands star spent seven years with the Gunners, winning the WSL and becoming the division's all-time leading scorer in the process, and the news that she would depart at the end of the 2023-24 season was a shock to many, though not to the player and the club. Miedema has spoken openly about that in recent days, explaining that the pair were no longer a good 'fit' and that it was time to move on.

Reports were quick to link the 27-year-old with a move to the north of England, to Man City, and the club has now confirmed her arrival to mark the start of its summer transfer window. It's quite a way for the Cityzens to reinforce the squad just a few months after falling agonisingly short in the WSL title race, with Chelsea crowned champions for a fifth season in a row.

Miedema, who will wear the No.6 shirt, said: “The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me. They want to win the league and titles. Looking to the future, I’ve always said I want to play with best players in the world and I think City have got that. I haven’t played as much football as I would have wished over the past two years, but I think and hope my best years are still to come. I hope I’m going to be able to help the team as much as I can do.

"I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best. If I get back to my best again then we can achieve really nice things together. I do think this is the place to be right now. In the end, it was an easy choice for me. I want to challenge myself every day in training, but also every single week in the games we play."

Head coach Gareth Taylor added: "We’re really looking forward to welcoming Viv to City and seeing her flourish over the next three years. Our ambition is to compete on the highest stage and for the highest honours, and Viv is aligned to this desire. "She’s a top talent that I’m excited to work with as she’s a player I’ve always admired. Viv will be a real asset to the team."

Man City are expected to add another new face to their squad in the coming days, with Japan international full-back Risa Shimizu set to join the club after leaving West Ham.

Miedema will now go away with the Netherlands for UEFA Women's Euro qualifiers against Italy and Norway, before joining up with her new team-mates for a pre-season that includes a trip to Australia.