'Technically I'm allowed to speak to other clubs':  Arsenal time nearing end for Katie McCabe

McCabe's Arsenal contract runs out at the end of the season and will not be renewed

Clubs from America, Europe and the English Women’s Super League are interested in signing Katie McCabe. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland captain Katie McCabe has revealed interest in her signature as her Arsenal contract runs down to expiration in May.

The Guardian reported last month that Arsenal had no plans to extend the veteran’s 10-year stay, allowing the left-sided player open negotiations with alternative suitors for a summer move.

When asked by the Irish Examiner on the eve of tonight’s opening World Cup qualifier against France about her future, the 30-year-old admitted approaches were being handled by her representatives.

“Yes, there’s been interest,” she confirmed, with clubs from America, Europe and the English Women’s Super League circling.

“I’m into the last six months (of my contract) so technically you’re allowed to speak to other clubs. I’m not part of those conversations. I’ve left those to my agent.

“My full focus is on these Ireland games coming up against France and Netherlands.

“But in terms of my club future, I’ve got a contract until the end of the season.

“The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club. I think I’ve shown that over the last 10 years. I’ve grown up there, won everything and will give absolutely everything until the end.

“What I will say is that, for me, I’m in my prime. Physically and mentally, I’m in great condition. For Ireland to play in a major tournament like the World Cup, I want to play at the top of my game. I’m as hungry as ever.” 

McCabe is one of several mainstays likely to leave the Gunners this summer. Although the current Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup holders are still in contention for a treble, a push from behind the scenes to refresh the squad for next season is underway.

This is the first season for Renée Slegers at the helm and she has designs on equipping the squad for the challenges of years ahead.

In that context, established stars Ona Batlle and Georgia Stanway are apparently on their way from Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively once they become free agents in the summer.

McCabe’s former Ireland teammate and current goalkeeping coach, Arsenal legend Emma Byrne, recently hit out at the club for allowing a potential exodus. Many of the 10 whose contracts will lapse played alongside Byrne.

“Deserved win for Arsenal,” she wrote on X after the win against champions Chelsea.

“Incredible to think that their obvious standout players are out of contract and could leave at the end of the season. Don’t underestimate how a player with a winning mentality can influence a team!” 

McCabe’s next move may be influenced by the plans of her partner Caitlin Foord. The 31-year-old Australian winger is also out of contract at Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the Ireland skipper confirmed that the FAI have consulted with the women’s squad over their decision to proceed with the men’s Uefa Nations League fixtures against Israel in the Autumn.

It remains to be seen what attitude the men’s players will have to participating – given there’s vital World Cup playoffs looming – but the women could end up drawn against Israel in the playoff themselves later in the year.

“Look, we know it’s not right on a human level what’s going on over there in Gaza,” she said, acknowledging a visit to the team hotel by FAI chief executive David Courell.

“Everyone in Ireland would agree with that and, I think, everyone outside of Ireland would agree with that.

“But for us, from a professional point of view, it is a men’s fixture. We don’t have much say on those types of issues. But we absolutely sympathise with everything that is going on in Palestine, of course as a team and as people in Ireland.

“I know my teammates are very passionate about it, as I am myself. Look, it’s hypothetical for us at the minute. Hopefully we qualify directly.”