England captain Leah Williamson signs new contract with Arsenal - 'I'm hungry for more'

The 29-year-old joined the Gunners as a youth player in 2006 and has gone on to make 282 appearances, winning a WSL title, two Adobe Women's FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League trophy last season.

"Everyone at the club looks forward to Leah's continued leadership and performances here at Arsenal," the club wrote in a statement.

She has reportedly signed a two-year deal at Arsenal, with the club currently third in the WSL table, eight points behind leaders Manchester City but with two games in hand.

"I'm hungry for more, which is one of the reasons why I'm staying," Williamson said. "I have goals to be competitive for my place in a World Cup squad, and being here allows me to do that. It's one of the best football clubs in the world in arguably the most competitive league.

"There was a bit of emotional attachment this time, probably more than previous years."

She told Arsenal's website: ”I think it's really special to be somewhere where you care so much about the people, the project, the place.

”I don't think it's something to take for granted. After 20 years, I still feel wanted and I want to be here, so I don't understand why it would have been time to leave this time.”

Williamson has become an integral part of England's success during her time with Arsenal, winning back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.

The next aim will be to win the World Cup in 2027, and Williamson, who has been capped 67 times, will hope to captain her country to glory.

She has struggled with injuries throughout this season, limited to just five WSL appearances.

But Williamson remains a key figure for Arsenal, who have recently extended the contracts of Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius, and Steph Catley, as well as head coach Renee Slegers.

Slegers has spoken highly of Williamson's impact this season, despite the defender's injury issues.

"She’s one of our leaders," Slegers said in December. "She’s been at the club since she was a little child and she feels strongly for the club and that brings something, of course.

”But then also her leadership in and around the team, on the pitch. She’s very intelligent, solving things in the moment, and she brings so much quality in the centre-back position.”

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