Is Mary Earps to Arsenal off? Gunners confirm current No.1 goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has signed new contract

It was believed that coach Jonas Eidevall wanted to reinforce the goalkeeping department in the ongoing transfer window and was keen to bring in Manchester United shot-stopper Earps to north London. Earps' contract at United is set to expire in the summer which further fuelled speculation about a potential move. Moreover, it is believed that Eidevall is a long-term admirer of the keeper and even submitted a record bid for her last summer. However, with Zinsberger extending her stay, the WSL outfit might be inclined to withdraw their interest.

Speaking to the Arsenal official media, Zinsberger said: "I’m so happy to have signed a new contract with this club. I’m so motivated to continue to develop myself as a goalkeeper but also grow as a person – and with the progression that’s taken place here on and off the pitch since I joined, I know this is the right place for me to do that. When I step out onto the pitch, hearing the crowd cheering us on, it’s a feeling I can’t describe. The passion our supporters bring lifts us up and together we can go so far.”

EIdevall also hailed Zinsberger as "one of the best goalkeepers in the world" to emphasise that he continues to hold her in the highest esteem. He said: "She deserves this new contract and I know she shares the ambitions we have here. We want to compete for every title we can and Manu will play a big role in us achieving that."

Zinsberger has made 113 appearances for Arsenal and boasts 49 clean sheets. She inspired the Gunners to the League Cup in the 2022/23 season and bagged the WSL Golden Glove award in the 2021/22 campaign for registering 13 clean sheets in 22 appearances.

Zinsberger will return to action in the WSL on Saturday against Everton. Arsenal are currently third in the English top flight but just three points behind rivals and leaders Chelsea.