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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arsenal icon Beattie leaves Gunners</li><li>Joins NWSL expansion side Bay FC</li><li>Follows news of U.S. club signing Barca star Oshoala</li></ul>

'A beautiful Arsenal career' - Bay FC lands another mega signing as Jen Beattie leaves Gunners for NWSL expansion side ahead of inaugural season

Women's Champions League

Arsenal Women

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Beattie's departure was confirmed by Arsenal on Friday as she became the latest addition to Bay FC's first-ever roster, with the club to kick-off its inaugural season in the United States' top-flight next month. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-femeni-asisat-oshoala-transfer-nwsl-bay-fc/blt260a3dc0180b16a1" target="_blank">The news comes just a day after the California-based side announced the arrival of Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala, following an incredibly prolific five years with Barcelona</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"Arsenal has always had a place in my heart, since I was a young kid. It's just a pleasure to be part of such a special club," Beattie said. "I love the club, I love the group of people I work with. I've got proper friendships here and it's not just the players, it's the staff as well. It's really difficult to say I'm leaving. To the fans, I just have to say, the amount of support I've had has genuinely been incredible. You guys are, by far, the best in the world. Thank you so much for the support over the years."Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar added: "Jen has had a beautiful career with Arsenal and we want to say a big thank you for her many years with us. She has helped to bring titles to our club and as a person, she is a great example of strength. We wish her success and happiness in the USA and she is welcome here in her home at any time."Speaking about Bay FC's newest addition, Lucy Rushton, the club's general manager, said: “On the field, Jen has won everywhere she has played in Europe and has been a mainstay at one of the top women’s clubs in the world, helping set the standard for both club and country. As a central defender with excellent on ball ability and range of pass, Jen allows us to play the brand of football we want in building out from the back and controlling the game with ball. Jen is an intelligent, composed defender with a commanding presence and no-nonsense attitude. With her experience and leadership both on and off the field, she will help set the winning culture at our club, and her addition to the team is a really significant one.”

WHAT BEATTIE SAID

Beattie might not have been a regular in Arsenal's starting XI in recent seasons but the 32-year-old was a huge presence in the dressing room and to lose that personality will be a blow. It's a huge gain for Bay FC, though, with the expansion side sure to benefit from her experience and quality, too, as it prepares for its first season in the NWSL.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Beattie's iconic status at Arsenal is not just because of the many trophies she won with the club over two four-year spells. In 2020, the defender successfully overcame breast cancer and was presented with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award the following year 'for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity'.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bay FC is now only a few weeks away from its first NWSL season and will open the campaign away at California rivals Angel City on March 16.

WHAT NEXT FOR BEATTIE AND BAY FC?

'A beautiful Arsenal career' - Bay FC lands another mega signing as Jen Beattie leaves Gunners for NWSL expansion side ahead of inaugural season | Goal.com

Arsenal defender Jen Beattie has brought an eight-year association with the Gunners to an end by completing a move to NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

&apos;A beautiful Arsenal career&apos; - Bay FC lands another mega signing as Jen Beattie leaves Gunners for NWSL expansion side ahead of inaugural season