Cloe Lacasse appears poised to depart Arsenal after just one season with the club, according to recent reports.
The Canadian forward, who joined the Gunners during the summer of 2023, may be leaving the North London side in the current transfer window.
Lacasse, now 31, was signed by Arsenal from Benfica, where she had spent four years.
Before her time in Portugal, she played for Icelandic club IBV and the Toronto Lady Lynx, showcasing her talents in various international leagues.
The news of Lacasse’s potential departure was initially reported by Tim Stillman of Arseblog.
He suggests that the forward is likely to move on after just one season at Arsenal, with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States being a possible destination for her next career chapter.
This marks a short stint at Arsenal, where Lacasse made 23 appearances across all competitions during the 2023/24 season.
Lacasse’s time at Arsenal included scoring five goals, one of which was a memorable late equalizer against Manchester United in just her second Women’s Super League (WSL) appearance.
Despite this promising start, Lacasse struggled to maintain consistent form throughout the season, leading to limited opportunities to start in WSL matches.
Her overall impact on the pitch was not as significant as she or the club might have hoped, which could be a factor in the discussions about her future with the team.
In addition to her club performances, Lacasse was also part of Canada’s squad for the Paris Olympics this summer.
She made three appearances during the tournament as the team progressed to the quarter-finals, showcasing her abilities on the international stage as well.
However, her contributions at the club level did not translate into the same level of influence she might have had on the national team, possibly influencing Arsenal’s decision to consider moving on from the player.
Arsenal, meanwhile, has been busy in the transfer market this summer, with a clear focus on strengthening their attacking options.
The club has already secured the services of Mariona Caldentey, who joined on a free transfer from Barcelona, and Rosa Kafaji, who was signed from Swedish side BK Häcken earlier this week.
These additions suggest that Arsenal is looking to build a more potent and varied attack for the upcoming season, possibly making Lacasse surplus to requirements.
The 2023/24 season saw Arsenal finish third in the WSL standings, just five points behind champions Chelsea and runners-up Manchester City.
The Gunners secured 16 wins from 22 games, but their inability to consistently challenge for the top spot likely prompted the need for reinforcements.
With new faces in the squad and Lacasse potentially on her way out, the team appears to be in the midst of a transitional phase as they prepare for the new campaign.
Arsenal is set to kick off the new season on Sunday, September 22, and it remains to be seen whether Lacasse will still be part of the squad by then.
If she does leave, it will mark the end of a brief but eventful chapter in her career, as she looks to find a new challenge, possibly in the NWSL, where she could rediscover the form that made her a sought-after talent in European football.