Vivianne Miedema explains why she's willing to move away from partner Beth Mead as ex-Arsenal star provides update on her future

Miedema's decision to part ways with Arsenal came as a surprise after having spent seven years at the club and becoming a club legend in the process. Her departure from the London side will also mean that she will part ways with her partner Beth Mead in her professional career. Miedema has explained how she came to this decision and has provided a timeline for her future decision.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Miedema hinted she would be open to joining a non-WSL club: "I discussed certain choices and options with my girlfriend Beth and my brother Lars.

"I want to make the decision before we start playing real matches in July. That's in less than two weeks. Discussions with the clubs have been going on for a long time. Ultimately, there's just a deadline. One of the things that played a role in my choice is that it must be a top European club. The club has to play the Champions League and give me time to get fit. A club where I can be myself is very important to me."

Miedema also provided some insight into which clubs she could join amid links to Manchester City: "I have always said that I am open to other competitions. I played football in the Netherlands and Germany and have been in England for seven years. So I am certainly open to a move elsewhere in Europe. Ultimately, there are less than ten top European clubs in women's football. So I think we can all figure out which clubs are in the running and what options are available.”

One major decision in leaving Arsenal would have been the parting of ways with her girlfriend and Arsenal defender Beth Mead and upon being asked about the same, Miedema responded: "I think so, of course. Ultimately: if you want to play good football, you also want to feel good off the field. But London is easy to reach from all over Europe. In that respect, all top European clubs are an option.”

On June 30, Miedema will officially become a free agent and will be free to join any club of her choice. She leaves Arsenal and the Women's Super League as their top scorer having joined the Gunners in 2017.