Georgia Stanway receives MBE ahead of Arsenal free transfer

Georgia Stanway, the 27‑year‑old England midfielder, was presented with an MBE by the King at Windsor Castle and is poised to join Arsenal on a free transfer when her Bayern Munich contract expires at the start of July this summer.

The move follows Arsenal's plan to reshape their midfield ahead of the new season.

Stanway's international résumé includes back‑to‑back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025 and a place in England's squad that reached the 2023 World Cup final. Her contributions have made her one of the most recognised figures in the women's game. A photograph by Andrew Matthews shows her receiving the MBE at Windsor Castle.

Arsenal's midfield is set for a major overhaul as veteran captain Kim Little, who signed a new deal months ago, approaches her 35th birthday. The club appears intent to manage Little's minutes more carefully while integrating fresh talent.

Stanway primarily operates as a box‑to‑box midfielder but can also drift into a No 10 role or wider attacking positions, giving Arsenal tactical flexibility in the final third. Her blend of aggression, running power and versatility aligns with the demands of elite midfields. Images by Nathan Stirk and Ryan Pierse illustrate her dynamic style on the pitch.

Arsenal also expect German midfielder Geraldine Reuteler to arrive, adding another dimension to a midfield that already includes Spanish forward Mariona Caldentey. The trio could reshape the central area with a mix of experience, technical skill and different profiles.

If the summer signings materialise, Arsenal will have a midfield window that balances quality, experience and succession planning. A shot by Adam Pretty captures the optimism surrounding the Gunners' evolving squad.