Arsenal left back Katie McCabe is set to end speculation over her future, with the Republic of Ireland captain close to signing a new contract at the north London club.
The 28-year-old joined from Irish side Shelbourne in 2015 with her current deal expiring next summer.
Arsenal rejected a lucrative offer for McCabe from Chelsea in January and the west London team retain their interest, while Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also keen.
But Arsenal have been working to keep her and are now nearing an agreement which would give Jonas Eidevall’s side a huge boost ahead of their opening fixture of the 2023-24 Women’s Super League season at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
McCabe was recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or — something no Irish woman has previously achieved. She is the first player from her country to make the list since Roy Keane did so in the men’s game 23 years ago.
The versatile left-footer led Ireland’s women to a maiden World Cup this year and contributed their only goal at the tournament.
GO DEEPER
My game in my words. By Arsenal’s Katie McCabe
‘McCabe delivers in decisive moments’
Analysis from Arsenal correspondent Art de Roche
Katie McCabe’s new contract with Arsenal would be the icing on the cake to a stellar start to the season. The 28-year-old was nominated for the Ballon d’Or earlier month — the first female Irish player to do so. The Republic of Ireland captain also led her side to two UEFA Women’s Nations League victories this month winning 3-0 against Northern Ireland and 4-0 against Hungary.
McCabe has been at Arsenal for eight years, racking up 109 appearances for the club across all competitions. Her influence has grown year-on-year. Arguably her biggest asset to the club is her versatility on the pitch, having been used as a full-back and winger on both flanks.
McCabe also takes on leadership roles at Arsenal despite not being the official club captain. She wore the armband towards the back-end of last season in Kim Little and Leah Williamson’s absence, and provides a very vocal and forceful presence on the pitch.
Her attitude is what truly sets her apart on the pitch and has helped Arsenal so often since she arrived at 20 from Shelbourne. In decisive moments last season, she was the one to step up – scoring a long range effort in the 74th minute to navigate Arsenal to come-from-behind and secure a 2-1 win over Manchester City – just three days after leaving the pitch in a protective boot against Bayern Munich. It was her 19th goal for the club.
Arsenal do not have Champions League football this term but moments like those will be needed as their focus narrows on the Women’s Super League. McCabe was part of the last Arsenal side to win the WSL title in 2018-19, scoring a vital goal to confirm their Champions League qualification that year away to Birmingham.
Ahead of this season, and after an impressive World Cup, she will be just as ready to deliver big moments in an Arsenal squad ready to take the next step.
(Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
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