With the January transfer window looming, Sky Sports looks at what each Women’s Super League club needs and some of the players attracting interest this winter.
ARSENAL
Olivia Smith was the world’s first £1m signing when joining Arsenal from Liverpool in the summer.
The European champions have lost their spark. Arsenal are the league’s most commercially successful side, able to generate the highest revenues and most consistent matchday crowds, and after a historic Champions League win in May, expectations were sky high.
So far, the Gunners have failed to live up to them – their worst start to a season since 2014 sees them nine points behind leaders Manchester City and perched just one point ahead of Manchester United in fourth.
What is needed?
An additional goalkeeper is the number one priority. Daphne Van Domselaar has suffered multiple injury setbacks in recent months, while Manuela Zinsberger is out for the season with a ruptured ACL – her contract is up at the end of the season. The National Women’s Super League (NWSL) is the obvious place to look as their season concluded in November.
They have also been linked with Hammarby right-back Smilla Holmberg. In 26 games across this calendar year, the 19-year-old has amassed 10 goal involvements, scoring six. The summer departure of Lia Walti left a hole in defensive midfield, yet to be filled, which equally needs addressing.
Players out of contract
In addition to Zinsberger, Arsenal have a long list of contract expiries next summer: Katie McCabe, Caitlin Food, Steph Catley, Emily Fox, Kim Little, Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, Stina Blackstenius and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Keeping full-back Fox will be given priority, as she is one of the best in the world in her position. Cooney-Cross has also shown promise during a run of five starts towards the end of this year.
The other big contract question hangs over head coach Renee Slegers – will she be rewarded for delivering Arsenal’s second European title with a new long-term contract or has poor league form somewhat tarnished her standing?
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly is out of contract in June.
Aston Villa started poorly, had an okay middle, and then a fairly damaging end to the first half of the season after getting hammered at Man City. The season will be described as mixed after only three wins.
Eighth place is probably the cut-off point in terms of teams in potential relegation trouble this season, and by that measure they can point to progress under Natalia Arroyo, albeit the fight for better consistency needs attention.
What is needed?
Villa are starting to get players back from injury, which means they could be quiet this January. Lucy Staniforth is due to return, which adds a touch of experience and class to a strong midfield including Missy Bo Kearns, Miri Taylor, and Lucia Kendall.
If they can get big-money forward Gabi Nunes fit and firing, then that would also save them scrambling around a notoriously difficult striker market.
The club needs to make a decision on Rachel Daly’s future, with the 34-year-old out of contract in June, having only managed two goals all season.