Arsenal have signed the Manchester City centre-half and Scottish international, Jen Beattie. She is former Gunner who had played for Arsenal from 2009 to 2013 before leaving for Montpellier. She came back in England in 2015 but for Manchester City where she won a WSL title, two FA Cups and two Continental Cups.
The 28-year-old defender is an accomplished goalscorer albeit being a traditional midfielder. Beattie had played as a striker, a left-back and a centre-half for the Gunners but since her growth in the Premier League she has established herself as a central defender.
While at Arsenal, she had triumphed two WSL titles, two Conti Cups and three FA Cups with the club. Her exit from City comes as a surprise, considering the camaraderie she had formed with a former Gunner Steph Houghton.
🏴 @JBeattie91’s @ArsenalWFC career to date…
🏆 @FAWSL (2012, 2013)
🏆 Women’s PL (2010)
🏆 @SSEWomensFACup (2011, 2013)
🏆 #ContiCup (2011, 2012, 2013)To be continued 😏 pic.twitter.com/AfGnRinJxn
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) June 5, 2019
City has a turnover of experienced players, following the exit of Beattie. Before her, the likes of Abbie McManus and Nikita Parris having already left. The rumours grow and so does the tension of City with a speculation of one more player leaving the club.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will now become one beast of a team. An already bolstered defence of Arsenal that includes Leah Williamson, Louise Quinn, Janni Arnth and Beattie will only be enhanced by the latest centre-back’s arrival.
The addition of Beattie brings experience along with talent in Arsenal. The upcoming Champions League campaign is definitely their’s.
“Jen is a strong and experienced defender,” said Montemurro to Arsenal official website.
“We’re delighted that she wanted to return back to Arsenal to help us take our success to the next level next season. She knows what this special club stands for, and she shares the same commitment and values. We are looking forward to working with her after the World Cup.”
