'This isn't a fit' - Vivianne Miedema opens up on real reason behind her shock Arsenal exit as WSL's all-time top-scorer closes in on a move to Man City

Miedema spent seven special years with the Gunners, scoring 125 goals and providing 50 assists in 172 appearances, with those contributions helping the club to win the Women's Super League title in 2019 and three Continental Cup trophies. That spell came to an end last month as the striker departed when her contract expired.

It soon emerged that Arsenal had not offered Miedema a new contract, prompting mass criticism from fans and some in the media. Ellen White, the former England forward, was dismayed at such a decision, dubbing it 'shocking' and 'outrageous'.

Miedema has now opened up on circumstances and clarified what happened that led to such a high-profile exit. Speaking on The Women's Game, a podcast hosted by former United States women's national team midfielder Sam Mewis, she explained: "I decided to re-sign two years ago because, at that moment in time, I thought Arsenal were going into the right direction and I always believed that if I'm happy off the pitch, I'm good on the pitch, and I thought London feels like home, so let's do it again. Obviously, with the injuries and with the struggles I've had lately, it's been really, really difficult to be around the club and to be at the club sometimes.

"I think, from both sides, we realised that this isn't the fit it was two years ago anymore and from there on, you need to look to the future. I [was] speaking to clubs in winter. I was really close to potentially moving in winter already and from there on, my focus has always been on getting fit and moving forward and moving forward somewhere else. Obviously, it's sad. It's sad when you've been somewhere for so long, you've been part of the club, you've been part of that development, but I think it's the best thing for me and hopefully I can show that next year someplace else."

Arsenal have already acted to bolster their frontline following Miedema's departure, with Spain star Mariona Caldentey arriving on a free transfer from Barcelona this week.

As for that 'someplace else' for the Dutch striker, it seems that will still be in England, with Man City widely reported to be close to securing a deal for Miedema as they bid to end an eight-year wait for a second WSL title.