Arsenal’s pursuit of star target hangs in the balance after Champions League exit

The Manchester United goalkeeper is rethinking her proposed move to Arsenal following Champions League exit.

This summer, speculations claim that Mary Earps may decide against joining the Gunners, putting a stop to Arsenal Women’s pursuit of their top target. Following Arsenal’s disqualification from the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying, there may be a change of heart.

The devastating exit for Jonas Eidevall’s team came after a dramatic 3-3 tie after extra time against Paris FC and a 4-2 loss in the spot shootout.

With only one year remaining on her contract, England goalkeeper Mary Earps reportedly wanted to leave Manchester United this summer. She might reconsider, though, if Manchester United advances to the Champions League group stage.

Manchester United will skip the qualifying stages and move right into round two of the competition after placing third in the Women’s Super League last season. According to reports, Earps wants to play in the Champions League this year, but with Arsenal, that appears improbable given the club’s recent elimination.

Eidevall addressed the situation and said, “There might be business to be done, but no comments on [Mary Earps].” This provides room for conjecture on the skilled goalkeeper’s ongoing transfer pursuit.

When the Arsenal Women were ousted in the first qualifying round at the Linkoping Arena in Sweden this year, their season took an unexpected turn after they had advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League the year before.

In her debut season with Arsenal, Alessia Russo scored twice, although she and Frida Maanum struggled in the penalty shootout. Despite Daphne Corboz’s unsuccessful attempt, Louna Ribadeira’s crucial penalty strike gave Paris FC the win.

Mathilde Bourdieu had scored the game’s first goal with a close-range header, and she added another goal a minute later. Late in the game, Russo scored her first goals for Arsenal, and a substitute, Jen Beattie, headed in an equalizer in the 96th minute to force extra time.

In the second overtime period, Corboz momentarily gave Paris FC the lead before Russo secured her second goal of the game and evened the score for Arsenal.

The uncertainty surrounding Mary Earps’ prospective transfer to the team adds another level of excitement to their summer transfer intentions as the fallout from Arsenal Women’s early exit from the Champions League settles.