Arsenal forward Cloe Lacasse is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club this summer, just a year after joining the Gunners. The 31-year-old Canadian international, who signed for Arsenal from Benfica last summer, appears set for an early departure after a brief stint in North London.
According to a report from Arseblog’s Tim Stillman, Lacasse is expected to exit during this transfer window, with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States being her most probable destination.
Lacasse’s career prior to Arsenal included a successful four-year spell at Benfica, where she established herself as a prolific forward. Before her time in Portugal, she played for Icelandic club ÍBV and the Toronto Lady Lynx in her native Canada, which laid the groundwork for her eventual move to European football.
During her single season with Arsenal in the 2023/24 campaign, Lacasse made 23 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals to the team’s efforts. One of her standout moments was a remarkable late equalizer against Manchester United in only her second Women’s Super League (WSL) appearance. However, despite this promising start, she struggled to consistently replicate that level of impact throughout the season.
In addition to her club duties, Lacasse also represented Canada in the 2024 Olympics held in Paris. She made three appearances during the tournament, helping her national team reach the quarter-finals.
Despite her international experience and moments of brilliance at Arsenal, Lacasse’s time with the Gunners seems to be coming to an end, with the club apparently ready to move on after just one season.
Arsenal had a strong campaign last term, finishing third in the WSL standings, just five points behind champions Chelsea and runners-up Manchester City after 22 games. The Gunners managed 16 wins, but their failure to secure the title has led to a busy summer in the transfer market as they look to strengthen their squad and challenge for the top spot in the upcoming season.
The club has already made significant attacking reinforcements, including the acquisition of Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona on a free transfer earlier in the window. Additionally, Arsenal recently signed Rosa Kafaji from Swedish side BK Hacken, further bolstering their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
These new arrivals suggest that Arsenal is aiming for a stronger and more dynamic forward line, potentially paving the way for Lacasse’s departure.
As Arsenal prepares for the 2024/25 season, they will begin their campaign on Sunday, 22 September, with a crucial fixture against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. This match could set the tone for the season, especially as the Gunners are determined to compete for the WSL title.
With Lacasse likely on her way out and new signings coming in, Arsenal’s squad will undoubtedly have a different look as they aim to improve on their third-place finish from last season.
