Stina Blackstenius has signed a new contract with Arsenal.
She has had the biggest impact from the bench, contributing five goals this season in the WSL, making her the league’s most prolific substitute. Renee Slegers explained: “Stina has specific qualities. The disruption she creates in a backline is not only for herself… but also for the team, to get spaces elsewhere.”
She also scored the all-important goal against Barcelona last May in Lisbon to win Arsenal the Champions League trophy, their first in the modern era, the last being back in 2007, the last time an English side won the trophy.
Her contract, like that of many Arsenal women's stars, was set to expire this summer at the weekend, while she was away on international duty. When asked about her future at the club, she said, “Leave it unsaid”.
But she has now confirmed the renewal of a two-year contract, ending speculation and putting many Arsenal fans' minds at ease.
She moved to Arsenal from BK Hacken in Sweden back in 2022 and has since become a pivotal figure, though not always the first name on the team sheet. As Slegers refuses to play both her and Alessia Russo at the same time, she has made 152 appearances and scored 64 goals.
Since she arrived in north London, she has won all four finals she has contested as Arsenal, lifting two League Cup trophies in 2023 and 2024, scoring in both finals, including the winner in 2024 in extra time after her teammate Frida Maanum collapsed. She finished Arsenal's top scorer in each of those cup-winning campaigns. Alongside the Champions League, she won the FIFA Champions Cup final. However, she has yet to win the league or the FA Cup, something she will not be able to do this season.
Speaking after signing her new deal, Blackstenius said: “Obviously, I’m really happy signing this new contract. I’ve been in the club for a long time now, but I’m so happy to stay for some more time. I love playing for Arsenal and love the club, love the team, and I’m just so excited for what’s ahead.”
She also paid tribute to Arsenal’s supporters: “The supporters we have, I feel like they always show up no matter what. They’re always so loud, cheering us on, and it has helped us in so many games. We’re really lucky to have supporters like that.”
Fans have come to rely on her abilities because her importance extends beyond her goal tally, especially her ability to change games from the bench. She offers direct runs, physical presence and ruthless finishing late in matches.
Blackstenius also spoke about working under head coach Renée Slegers, with whom she previously played alongside earlier in her career. “It’s crazy to think that we’re here now and that she’s the coach. A good coach and she’s really done a good job with the team since taking over.”
Her partnership with Alessia Russo has become a key tactical weapon for Arsenal, with the pair offering contrasting but complementary profiles. “We are a bit different as players, but I really enjoy playing with her. We can push each other, and being different can really help us in games.”
The renewal is as much about identity and continuity as it is about goals. As a player, the Swedish international represents big-game reliability, tactical flexibility, experience at the highest level and proven winning mentality.
As Blackstenius herself put it: “There’s a reason I’ve been at Arsenal for four and a half years. It says something about what I think of the club and the development here. I feel like I’m in an environment where I have all the conditions to keep taking steps.”
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