Arsenal confirm the return of former striker on free transfer

The club have confirmed the return of Jodie Taylor on a deal until the end of the season after her contract had expired with San Diego Wave. The striker rejoins to Arsenal for her second spell in North London, having scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during her first spell at the club in 2016.

Season ending injuries to both Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema earlier in the season had left Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall with a serious headache going into the second half of the campaign but the signing of the experienced Taylor will be a vital option as the club look to finish in the top three.

A UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Lyon in 2020, the 36-year-old scored 19 goals for the Lionesses in 51 appearances and can also list being the top scorer at the 2017 UEFA European Women’s Championship amongst her honours.

On rejoining the club, Taylor said: “It feels amazing to be back – like I never left. It’s incredible to have this opportunity to come back to the club that I love so much. A lot of progression has happened here in the last five years since I was last here and to see how much the club has grown and progressed is incredible. I’m very happy to be here.”

The Gunners have confirmed the striker will wear the number 27 shirt at the club and head coach Eidevall added: “We’re really pleased to have brought in Jodie to help us from now until the end of the season. She has a proven track record for scoring goals and we know her experience will be a great asset to the whole dressing room. We have so much to fight for this season and Jodie will help us on that journey.”

The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes, however, with Arsenal not in action this weekend, it is possible Taylor could be included in the squad for next weekend’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.