All signs point to England goalkeeper Mary Earps wanting to leave Manchester United amid interest from Arsenal, recent reports claim.
The Lionesses shot-stopper was a key figure for Sarina Wiegman's side this summer as they progressed to the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup, before they were agonisingly beaten by Spain in the final last month. As the dust settles on the tournament, speculation surrounding Earps' future has ramped up in recent weeks as the WSL transfer deadline on September 14 looms.
Widespread reports suggest the Gunners had a bid for the 30-year-old rejected last week with the Manchester club insisting she is not for sale. United have already lost one key player to Arsenal this summer, with Alessia Russo moving to North London on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract.
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Earps' contract was also set to run out at the end of June but the club opted to trigger a year's extension, taking it to 2024. Despite optimism United can extend beyond next summer, the goalkeeper is yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, the player wants to leave United and 'cut an isolated figure' as players returned to their Carrington training ground after the World Cup. However, there is also a belief a deal is unlikely to be sealed before next week's deadline after the club saw a bid knocked back last week and they're said to be unlikely to return with a second offer.
Jonas Eidevall already has solid options competing for the number one shirt with Manuela Zinsberger and Sabrina D'Angelo among his ranks. Although, the signing of the World Cup golden glove winner and last year's FIFA Best Women's goalkeeper would represent a huge statement of intent from Arsenal.
They've already had a big summer in terms of incomings with the acquisition of Russo on a free transfer after they failed to land her for a record fee back in January. Cloe Lacasse, Amanda Ilestedt and World Cup winner Laia Codina have also come through the door.
The Gunners boss hinted after their UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying win over Linkopings FC earlier this week that they're still in the market for players before the transfer deadline. Arsenal will take on Paris FC on Saturday in a bid to reach the second qualifying round, before attention turns to domestic action with the WSL season set to begin on October 1.
