Manchester City complete the signing of WSL record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema on a three-year deal, following her exit from rivals Arsenal

Manchester City have completed the signing of Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer, following her departure from WSL rivals Arsenal.

The 27-year-old, who is the division's all-time leading goalscorer, has joined Gareth Taylor's side on a three-year deal that will keep her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2027. 

Miedema will wear the number six shirt and reunites with Dutch teammates Jill Roord and Kerstin Casparij.

'The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me,' she said. 'They want to win the league and titles.

'Looking to the future, I've always said I want to play with best players in the world and I think City have got that. I haven't played as much football as I would have wished over the past two years, but I think and hope my best years are still to come. 

'I hope I'm going to be able to help the team as much as I can do. I am just really excited to be part of the team and for the girls to hopefully help me and get me back to my best. If I get back to my best again then we can achieve really nice things together.

'I do think this is the place to be right now. In the end, it was an easy choice for me. I want to challenge myself every day in training, but also every single week in the games we play.' 

In May, Mail Sport reported that City were one of a number of clubs interested in securing her services this summer following her departure from north London. 

Miedema, who had been with Arsenal since 2017, was close to leaving in the summer of 2022 but chose to sign a one-year deal with the option of an extra year, which was taken up at the end of last season.

The forward endured a difficult 18 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in December 2022. She made her return in October but suffered multiple setbacks and required further surgery in March.

The 27-year-old made another return from injury in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Leicester in April. 

City meanwhile, came agonisingly close to winning their first WSL title in eight years but finished behind winners Chelsea only on goal difference. Defeat in their penultimate league game against the Gunners ultimately put pay to their hopes. 

Head coach Taylor said he was excited to welcome the 'top talent' and expects her to be an asset to his team as they look to claim major silverware. 

'We’re really looking forward to welcoming Viv to City and seeing her flourish over the next three years,' he said. 'Our ambition is to compete on the highest stage and for the highest honours, and Viv is aligned to this desire. 

'She’s a top talent that I’m excited to work with as she’s a player I’ve always admired. Viv will be a real asset to the team.' 

Miedema will link up with her country for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying matches against Italy and Norway before joining up with City for pre-season training at the end of July and the first-ever Perth International Football Cup in preparation for the 2024-25 season.