Former England forward Jodie Taylor will make a surprise return to Arsenal on a free transfer after ending her spell in North America.
The 36-year-old striker previously played for the Gunners between 2016-17, scoring 10 goals, and has re-signed a short-term deal until the end of the season. Taylor, who has won 41 caps for the Lionesses scoring 15 goals, was out-of-contract after not re-signing with an American-based franchise for the 2023 NWSL season, having last turned out for San Diego Wave last year, scoring one goal in nine appearances.
She first burst onto the scene over a decade ago at Birmingham City, winning the 2012 FA Cup final against Chelsea and scoring in the shoot-out, before moving on to Arsenal after spells in Australia and the USA. The forward then became England's first-choice forward at Euro 2017, winning the golden boot with five goals, as the Lionesses made it to the semi-finals before they were beaten 3-0 by Sarina Wiegman's Netherlands.
"It feels amazing to be back – like I never left," said Taylor, who will wear the No.27 shirt for the Gunners in her second spell. “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."
Taylor, who is a former Champions League winner with Lyon, will be looking to help the Gunners forward line cope with major injuries to Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, who are both out of the rest of the season. Arsenal tried to sign England forward Alessia Russo on deadline day but failed with a record bid.
Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius has impressed in recent weeks, scoring in the Conti Cup final win over Chelsea, but needs support with the hectic schedule - Arsenal are still in the Champions League as well as going for the WSL. When illness caused Blackstenius to drop to the bench against Reading, midfielder Frida Maanum was forced to start as a makeshift striker.
Although Taylor's first spell at Arsenal lasted less than two years, it did overlap with arguably the best spell of her career, her performances for England in 2017 cementing her place as one of the leading players in the country. Taylor hit a hat-trick against Scotland before netting the winner in a quarter-final victory over France. The Birkenhead-born forward also scored at the 2019 World Cup against Argentina.
Head Coach Jonas 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."
Arsenal's Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: "Jodie is a really experienced and talented player and will give us added competition at this crucial stage of the season. We’re delighted to bring her back to the club and all have great memories of working with her in her previous spell here."
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