Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Netherlands international midfielder Danielle van de Donk to French side Lyon.
van de Donk departs the Gunners after six years at the club since joining from Swedish club Goteborg in 2015. She leaves after setting the all-time appearance record for an overseas player at the club. She featured 142 times and scored 45 goals in her spell at Arsenal. Her last goal came in the Gunners’ 9-0 win against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
During her time at Arsenal van de Donk won every domestic trophy that was available to win. She helped the club lift the Women’s FA Cup, Continental Cup and Women’s Super League. van de Donk also played a role in the Netherlands’ Euro 2017 success and helped her country reach the 2019 World Cup final – their first ever, which the Dutch lost to USA.
In 2020-21 the midfielder didn’t play as many minutes as she would have wanted and not often in her preferred position as number ten. van de Donk posted on her Instagram: “I’m ready for the next step, so proud and excited to join this amazing club Thank you Arsenal for everything these last 6 years.”
She is the fourth departure from Arsenal this summer. Jill Roord has joined Wolfsburg while right-back Leonie Maier left the club following the expiry of her contract. Ruby Mace signed for Manchester City on a permanent deal.
Lyon’s dominance in France and Europe over recent years stuttered last season. Paris Saint-Germain won the league and knocked their domestic rivals out of the Champions League. Lyon have also signed Christiane Endler and Signe Bruun from Paris Saint-Germain, a statement of intent ahead of the new season.
