Jennifer Beattie has joined us from Manchester City on a long-term contract.

The 28-year-old defender returns to Arsenal ten years after signing her first contract with us in 2009. Jennifer made 83 appearances and scored 25 times during her four-year spell in north London.

Her time with the club proved to be a successful one too, as she won the FA Women’s Super League (2012, 2013), the FA WSL Continental Cup (2011, 2012, 2013) and SSE Women’s FA Cup (2011, 2013).

Her first goals for Arsenal arrived in November 2009, when she scored a second-half hat-trick to complete an incredible comeback against Chelsea after being 2–0 down.

After leaving Arsenal in July 2013, Beattie joined French side Montpellier HSC on a two-year contract, before returning to England with Manchester City Women in 2015.

This allowed her to work with Joe Montemurro ahead of the third round of the 2015–16 season, as she joined their sisters club Melbourne City for a short loan spell. She’s been a first-team regular in Manchester ever since.

“Jen is a strong and experienced defender,” said Montemurro.

“We’re delighted that she wanted to return back to Arsenal to help us take our success to the next level next season. She knows what this special club stands for, and she shares the same commitment and values. We are looking forward to working with her after the World Cup.”

Everyone at Arsenal is delighted to welcome Jennifer back to the club.