Arsenal forward Cloe Lacasse is reportedly set to exit the club this summer, according to recent reports.
The Canadian international, who joined the Gunners from Benfica last summer, has only been with the club for a year but is already rumored to be on her way out.
Lacasse’s journey to Arsenal began after spending four years in Portugal, where she played for Benfica.
Before her time in Portugal, Lacasse represented IBV in Iceland and the Toronto Lady Lynx in Canada.
Her move to Arsenal in the summer of 2023 was seen as a significant step in her career, but it now seems that her time with the north London club could be cut short.
A report from Tim Stillman, a journalist for Arseblog, suggests that Lacasse is expected to depart Arsenal during the current transfer window.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States is rumored to be her most likely destination, though no official confirmation has been made.
During the 2023/24 season, Lacasse made a total of 23 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions.
She managed to score five goals during that time, including a memorable late equalizer against Manchester United in only her second appearance in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
However, despite this promising start, Lacasse struggled to maintain her form and build on that early success.
This summer, Lacasse was part of Canada’s squad for the Olympic Games in Paris.
She made three appearances for her national team, helping them reach the quarter-finals before being eliminated.
Her involvement in the Olympics further highlights her talent and international experience, yet it appears that her future at Arsenal remains uncertain.
One of the factors contributing to Lacasse’s potential departure could be her limited playing time in the WSL.
During the 2023/24 season, she only started a handful of games in the league, which may have led to frustrations on her part.
Despite her contributions, Arsenal finished third in the WSL standings, just five points behind champions Chelsea and runners-up Manchester City.
The Gunners secured 16 wins out of 22 games, showcasing their competitive edge but falling short of clinching the title.
Arsenal has been busy in the transfer market this summer, with the club looking to bolster its squad for the upcoming season.
They have already made two significant attacking signings, bringing in Mariona Caldentey on a free transfer from Barcelona and Rosa Kafaji from Swedish side BK Häcken.
These new arrivals suggest that Arsenal is intent on strengthening their attacking options, which could further limit Lacasse’s opportunities for playing time.
As the new season approaches, Arsenal is set to kick off their campaign on Sunday, September 22, with a highly anticipated match against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The game will likely be a crucial fixture in the race for the WSL title, with both teams expected to be among the top contenders
Lacasse’s future remains uncertain as the transfer window draws to a close.
If she does depart Arsenal, it will mark the end of a brief but eventful chapter in her career with the Gunners.
Her potential move to the NWSL could provide her with a fresh start and the opportunity to play a more prominent role in a new team.
In the meantime, Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on any developments regarding Lacasse’s situation.
While her departure would be a loss for the club, the Gunners have shown that they are committed to building a strong squad capable of challenging for the WSL title and beyond.
Whether Lacasse stays or goes, Arsenal’s focus will remain on achieving success in the upcoming season.