Stina Blackstenius has signed a new two-year contract with Arsenal, the club announced on Friday. The Sweden international's previous deal was due to expire this summer, but she has now committed to the Women's Super League side until at least 2027, according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs. Arsenal said in a statement: 'We are very happy. Everyone looks forward to continuing to see Stina contribute and make her mark at Arsenal.' The exact length of the contract has not been confirmed by the club, but multiple reports indicate it is a two-year extension.
Blackstenius joined Arsenal from BK Häcken in 2022 and has since become a key figure for the north London club. She scored the late winner in last season's Champions League final victory over Barcelona, securing the club's first European title. She also scored in the Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea, according to multiple reports. In 2024, she netted an extra-time goal against Chelsea to clinch the Women's League Cup trophy, and in 2023 she scored a late winner against Manchester City in the semi-finals, as reported by major media outlets. This season, Blackstenius has seven goals and five assists in 15 league matches, though some sources report three assists, highlighting a discrepancy in her statistical record.
I'll leave that unsaid.
Blackstenius has often had limited playing time, mostly as a substitute in the league, according to multiple reports. She has started six WSL games this season, as reported by major media. Club sources say Blackstenius provides a different threat to Alessia Russo and it was a priority to agree a new deal before the summer. According to Fotbollskanalen, Blackstenius described the club as 'a very inspiring environment to be in' and said she feels she is 'in an environment where you have all the conditions.' She added that she wants to 'continue taking steps all the time' and that the club motivates her.
Blackstenius is now captain of the Swedish national team, according to multiple reports. She helped Sweden win Olympic silver medals in 2016 and 2020, and finished third at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, as reported by major media. Her international experience and leadership have been valuable assets for both club and country.
We have many exciting matches and a lot is important, so I haven't gone too far in my thoughts there, but much to look forward to at the end at Arsenal and I have been there for a long time.
Arsenal are third in the WSL, two points behind Chelsea with two games in hand, according to major media. They face Lyon in the Champions League semi-finals on Sunday. In the Premier League, Arsenal top the table with nine points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Arsenal host AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday and visit Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final second leg next week, having won the first leg 1-0, as reported by major media.
Arsenal have initiated discussions with Mikel Arteta about a new contract, according to major media. Arteta's current contract runs until summer 2027. The manager said he does not want to focus on his contract extension now, stating: 'There is no news about it. We don't have time to talk about it now. The focus is entirely on what we have to do between now and the end of the season.' He also said: 'I am fully committed here. I am really happy and it's going well. My family is doing well. I still have big ambitions and many things I want to achieve in this club. Right now we are in a good place.' It remains unclear whether Arteta will sign a new deal.
There is really a reason why I have been at Arsenal for four and a half years or whatever it will be, that says something about what I think of the club and how I see the development there.
Several uncertainties remain. The exact length of Blackstenius's new contract has not been officially confirmed, though reports suggest two years. The precise number of assists she has this season is disputed, with some sources saying three and others five. It is also unknown why Blackstenius initially declined to comment on her contract situation, as she told Fotbollskanalen she would 'leave that unsaid.' Whether her role at Arsenal will change with the new contract is also unclear.
It is a very inspiring environment to be in. It is a very good level that I get to be in daily and I am inspired by those I train and play with. I would say that I feel I am in an environment where you have all the conditions. I really want to continue taking steps all the time so it really motivates me.
Hard to say here and now. I just put full focus on what's coming and then we'll see a little further ahead.
I'll leave that unsaid today.
We are very happy. Everyone looks forward to continuing to see Stina contribute and make her mark at Arsenal.