Cloe Lacasse heads to NWSL! CanWNT star leaves Arsenal after just one season to join Utah Royals

Lacasse has left the Gunners after just one season in north London. The 31-year-old made 28 appearances, scoring five goals. She will join the Utah Royals immediately, who sit bottom of the NWSL after 16 matches.

In a departing message to Gunners fans, Lacasse said: "Although my time at Arsenal was short, it was filled with memorable moments, thanks to the incredible teammates, staff and fans. I’m grateful for the experience and will always carry with me the memory of scoring in front of you all at a sold-out Emirates Stadium. I wish the team, the club and all you Gooners the very best moving forward."

The reasons for Lacasse's departure after just 12 months are unknown, but reports suggest the Canadian international wanted more minutes on the pitch, as well as being closer to her family across the Atlantic. She will be thrown straight into a dogfight as the Royals look to claw back ground on their NWSL rivals above them.

Having guided Canada to the quarter-finals at this summer's Olympic Games, Lacasse will be hoping to hit the ground running at her new club. The Royals are next in action on August 24 when they face Bay FC.