Vivianne Miedema hints at WSL return after Arsenal fans left furious by exit

Vivianne Miedema said she will make a decision on the future of her career during her upcoming holiday, adding that the last few weeks have taken an emotional toll on her.

At the start of the month, Miedema, 27, confirmed that she would be departing the Gunners once her contract expired this summer. The Netherlands international, who is also the Women's Super League's record goalscorer, did not receive a contract extension from the club.

The decision has sparked surprise from pundits and ire from sections of the Arsenal fanbase. Fans at the Gunners' final game of the season held up signs voicing their support of Miedema, while others shouted for the club to dispose of manager Jonas Eidevall in exchange of keeping Miedema at the club.

Miedema, who has been continuing her rehabilitation to full fitness after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2022, has already been linked with a number of high-profile clubs, including WSL rivals Manchester City. And the Dutch striker has made clear that a decision on her future will arrive in due course.

"The last few weeks have been hard for me, but beautiful at the same time because of the farewell at Arsenal," she wrote in a column on Dutch website AD .nl. "I feel that it’s good to go to a new and different environment.

"I played there for 7 [sic] years and the club has become part of my life. But it’s time for something new. I have a few options, in the UK and abroad."

She added: "I’ll make the decision during my holiday. With my heart and by feel, like I’ve done my whole life”

The last 18 months have been blighted by ongoing injury problems for Miedema since sustaining the initial ACL injury in 2022. Miedema was able to make a brief return to the squad earlier this year but was once again ruled out after requiring minor knee surgery at the beginning of March.

Even so, Miedema's reputation as one of the most rampant and clinical goalscorers throughout women's football precedes her, and she has been quick to remind potential suitors that she remains hungry for elite-level football.

Speaking to DAZN before Barcelona's 2-0 win over Lyon in the Women's Champions League final, Miedema said on her future: “I wish I could (tell), but I can’t. I’m only 27, and I think the Champions League is the only thing missing, so I’m definitely not going to make a step down. And I’m really excited for whatever comes next.”

While City have been linked with a move for Miedema, a rekindling of a previous flame in Barcelona could be on the cards. In May 2022, Miedema rejected interest from Barca, opting instead to extend her contract with Arsenal.

However, now a free agent and a desire to add the UWCL to her long list of accolades, a stint in Spain could be on the cards for the Euro 2017 winner.