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      Man City draw Leicester in Women’s FA Cup quarters with Arsenal facing Tottenham

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      MANCHESTER CITY will go head-to-head with giant-killers Leicester in the final eight of this year’s Women’s FA Cup. And Arsenal will take on North London rivals Tottenham in a derby clash to see which of the sides will reach the contest’s semi-finals. 
      Leicester will play Man City in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Women’s FA CupCredit: Rex
      Man City will hope to win the FA Cup for the second year in a row after their 2020 triumphCredit: AFP
      Both ties are the prime picks of the quarter-final round of this year’s contest with Brighton hosting Charlton and league champs Chelsea set to travel to Birmingham. 
      And the Blues, who retained their WSL crown and picked up a Conti Cup, are aiming to win their third FA Cup to notch up a trophy treble. 
      Leicester, managed by Jonathan Morgan, will compete in the women’s top flight for the first time in their history this year.
      And they will take heart from their shock defeat of Man United when they face a City side who won the 2020 trophy.
      The Foxes, who won the Women’s Championship crown, will look to pull off another surprise after beating the Red Devils 3-2 in the fifth round.
      And the newly promoted WSL outfit gave the Citizens a run for their money the last time the rivals faced each other in the competition.
      That FA Cup quarter-final encounter between City and a Foxes side skippered by Morgan’s sister Holly ended in a narrow 2-1 home loss for Leicester. 
      Meanwhile, Rehanne Skinner’s Tottenham will be looking to pick up their first win against the Gunners in a derby. 
      Before then the club will embark on a squad rebuild this summer, having released 11 of their players before the 2021-22 season.
      They will face a tough away challenge against Arsenal, who hold the record for the most trophy wins in the competition with 14 triumphs. 
      And their rivals have strengthened their attacking ranks by signing Japan forward and World Cup winner Mana Iwabuchi. 
      However the Gunners are thought to be facing a battle to keep hold of top striker Vivianne Miedema, 24,  with Lyon interested in bringing the Netherlands star to France. 
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      Arsenal will host Tottenham in their quarter-final FA Cup clash in SeptemberCredit: Rex

      And the rumoured deal could see England and Lyon goal machine Nikita Parris move to Arsenal as part of a swap.  
      However, Miedema’s agent Leoni Blokius has reportedly denied her client will leave the WSL this summer despite her having just a year left on her current contract.
      Blokius told Dutch newspaper AD: “Vivianne will remain, as it looks now, at Arsenal next season. That is her last contract year.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Vivianne Miedema’s agent has dismissed reports linking her with a summer move to European giants LyonCredit: Zuma Press
      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

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      Man City skipper Houghton reveals she was ‘desperate’ to be in Team GB after London 2012 experience

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has opened up on her desperation to be part of Team GB women’s football squad after competing in the London 2012 Games. The Manchester City and England skipper says the pride she felt in representing Great Britain is something she is eager to feel again.
      Houghton will represent Team GB for the second time at an Olympics after competing in the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      Houghton is among a group of five WSL veterans who helped Britain reach the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at the 2012 Olympics.
      The City star and Olympians Jill Scott, Kim Little, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White hope to win a medal this time around.
      And Houghton, 33, cannot wait to help head coach Hege Riise and Team GB achieve something special at the Tokyo Games in July.
      The City skipper said: “Being part of London 2012 and experiencing what the Olympic Games was like.
      “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
      “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.
      “In terms of how many fans came to watch us, the performances that we produced, everybody’s so excited to get to Tokyo to go and do something special.”
      Back in 2012, Houghton and her team began their quest to win an Olympic medal in stunning fashion
      Houghton is one of five 2012 Olympians included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad of 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      They won their opening three group games and thumped Cameroon 3-0 in the last 16.
      But their run was cut short when they lost 2-0 in the quarters to Canada.
      But Houghton believes the Champions League experience gained by the current crop of Team GB’s football stars could help them in their bid to win a medal.
      Houghton added: “If I look back to 2012 I think we performed really well in the group stages.
      “And I look back at the game against Canada in the quarter-final back then and I know that it wasn’t the best version of us as a team.
      “I look at the squad and the individuals that we have and the mix of not just English players but Scottish and Welsh players.
      “I think it’s a squad full of quality people, that individually have played in big games, whether that’s a Champions League final or the highest games at the World Cup for their country.”

      Houghton, who has made 81 Man City appearances since her 2014 switch from Arsenal, led England to the semis of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      And the Olympian, who made four Team GB appearances at the 2012 Games, believes Riise’s squad has the right balance of older and younger players to excel in Tokyo.
      Houghton added: “The talent we have really excites me and I think we’ve got the perfect blend of youth and experience.
      “And for us, our expectation is always to go and win as many games as we possibly can and that doesn’t change whether I’m sitting here wearing a Team GB shirt or an England shirt.”
      Houghton is proud to see the Team GB squad feature rising stars such as Lauren HempCredit: Getty
      Manchester United forward Ella Toone and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles are among the four WSL stars travelling with Team GB as reserves.
      They will be joined by Everton keeper Sandy MacIver and Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy who are serving as back-ups for Riise’s squad of 18.
      And Houghton says she is curious to see how they will react emotionally to being at the Games in Tokyo.
      If I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic GamesSteph Houghton
      The Man City captain said: “I’ve actually been speaking to the likes of Ella Toone and Niamh Charles who are going to be with us for the whole tournament.
      “And I’m so excited to see how they’ll react to being in that environment because of the feelings I had as a young player at London 2012.
      “It’s such a surreal feeling to be part of something that we’ve all probably watched since we’ve been kids but we’ve never expected to be a part of.
      “I’m just so excited for them to experience what we did and for the likes of me, Jill Scott, Ellen White, Karen Bardsley and Kim Little, to go and experience that again we feel so fortunate and proud that we can do it.
      “But I think if I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic Games.
      Houghton is looking forward to seeing the effect the Tokyo Olympics will have on young players including Niamh CharlesCredit: Getty
      “To go and represent Team GB and even though our families and all our fans can’t be there with us I know they’ll be there with us back home.”
      Houghton won plaudits for her Team GB performances at the 2012 Games, becoming her side’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament.
      But the centre-back, who has won three FA Cups and a league title with Man City has not had the best preparation for the tournament due to an Achilles injury.
      However the City skipper, who is “100 per cent fit” is raring to start training.
      Houghton added: “It’s not been ideal preparation, in terms of our players have played a lot of games.
      “And for me to be missing just over a month and a half worth of games is unlike me.
      “But there were lots of conversations behind the scenes in terms of ultimately my aim was to represent Team GB at the Olympics.
      “I just had to listen to the doctors at England and Manchester City and the physios and the coaches.
      Hege Riise’s Great Britain squad features by ten of Houghton’s Man City team-matesCredit: Getty
      “I have also been taking my time a little bit more so that I’m ready to go and yeah I’m 100% fit.
      “I’ve been training over the last few weeks, I feel confident in my body and I just can’t wait to start training with the rest of the girls.”
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      Team GB will play their opening game at the Sapporo Dome Stadium where David Beckham netted England’s winner in a 2002 World Cup game against ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

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      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad

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      HEGE RIISE has named 11 Manchester City players in her women’s football squad representing Britain at the Tokyo Olympics.Lauren Hemp – the side’s youngest member at 20– and Scotland’s Caroline Weir are among the City aces in the group featuring 15 England internationals.
      Scotland and Man City playmaker Caroline Weir has been named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: The Sun
      Lauren Hemp is the youngest member of the women’s football squad representing Great Britain at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Rex
      The 18-strong squad includes 13 of the Lionesses who came third in the 2019 Women’s World Cup to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics
      Riise’s group also features 13 Olympic debutants. Among their number is WSL Player of the Year Fran Kirby.
      And her Chelsea team-mate Sophie Ingle is the only Wales international to have made the cut.
      Others making their Olympic debuts include Fifa’s Best Women’s Player Lucy Bronze, Chelsea vice-captain Millie Bright and Arsenal centre-back Leah Williamson.
      The group also features five WSL veterans who competed at London 2012 helping Britain reach the quarter-finals where they lost 1-0 to Canada.      
      England’s Ellen White, Jill Scott, Karen Bardsley and Steph Houghton and Scotland’s Kim Little were among the players who made history as the first women’s football side to represent Britain at the Games.
      And Ellie Roebuck and Hemp are the only two England players in the side who were not in the Lionesses squad that reached the 2019 World Cup semis.
      Head coach Riise, 51, is one of just three women in the world to have won an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup and a European Championship.
      And the head coach will draw on her success of winning gold with Norway at the 2000 Sydney Games in the hope of leading Britain to glory in Japan.
      Riise said: “I know first-hand as a former player just how proud my players will feel today at having been selected to represent Great Britain. 
      “There is no greater sporting occasion in the world, and I am honoured to lead this hugely talented team into the Games. 
      “We will go there aiming to win and we will give everything we have to achieve success.
      “I hope that Great Britain’s inclusion once more in the Olympic Football Tournament can inspire the next generation of young girls to play the sport we love.”
      Hege Riise has included 15 England internationals in her groupCredit: PA
      Chelsea’s Fran Kirby is among the England players included in Riise’s squadCredit: Getty

      Team GB chef de mission Mark England added: “Having an opportunity to field a women’s football team in Tokyo, for only the second time in our Olympic history, is incredibly exciting.
      “It is fantastic to see five returning Olympians named and I am sure they, along with the 13 debutants, will relish the opportunity to represent Team GB this summer.
      “Team GB is on the cusp of making history this summer as we are on track to qualify more female than male athletes for the Games for the very first time.
      “I am sure that as we saw at London 2012 the team selected today will help to inspire a new generation of girls and young women wanting to play the sport.”
      Keeper Sandy MacIver, defenders Lotte Wubben-Moy and Niamh Charles and striker Ella Toone will travel to Japan as squad reserves.
      And Man City’s Alex Greenwood, Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Chelsea’s Carly Telford are among the experienced England internationals who have been left out of Riise’s side.  
      Kim Little (right) is one of two Scotland internationals who will represent Team GBCredit: SNS
      Wales skipper Sophie Ingle is only the international player from her nation to be included in Riise’s teamCredit: Getty
      Other notable absentees include Jordan Nobbs and Chelsea ace Beth England who won the PFA Women’s Player of the Year Award in 2020.
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches. 
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      Ellen White, Kim Little, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Karen Bardsley are among the London 2012 Olympians who compete in TokyoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Steph Houghton will compete in the Olympics for the second time in her international careerCredit: Getty
      Team GB Football Squad
      Goalkeepers – Karen Bardsley (Man City – on loan at OL Reign/England), Ellie Roebuck (Man City/ England)
      Defenders – Millie Bright (Chelsea/England), Lucy Bronze (Man City/England)Rachel Daly (Houston Dash/England), Steph Houghton (Man City/ England), Demi Stokes (Man City/England), Leah Williamson (Arsenal/England)    
      Midfielders – Sophie (Chelsea/Wales), Kim Little (Arsenal/Scotland)Jill Scott (Manchester City/England), Keira Walsh (Manchester City/England), Caroline Weir (Manchester City/Scotland), 
      Forwards – Lauren Hemp (Manchester City/ England),  Fran Kirby (Chelsea/England),   Nikita Parris (Olympique Lyonnais/ England), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City/England), Ellen White (Manchester City/ England). 

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      Arsenal hero Ian Wright shares tweet urging Gunners to allow WSL stars to play their European games at the Emirates

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      IAN WRIGHT made a Gooner’s day by sharing a social media post pleading for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League games to be played at the Emirates.The Gunners legend, 57, retweeted the suggestion made by the fan following Mikel Arteta’s side’s failure to qualify for Europe.
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright retweeted a fan’s plea for Arsenal Women to play their European games at the Emirates next seasonCredit: PA
      Arsenal will compete in the Women’s Champions League in 2021-22 after missing out this termCredit: Getty
      For the first time in 25 years, the Gunners’ Prem side will miss out on duels with their continental rivals after finishing eighth in the table.
      However, the club’s Women’s Super League stars are set to battle Europe’s elite after they qualified for the Champions League by pipping Manchester United to third.
      And one Twitter user reckons clashes between the Gunners’ WSL aces and the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona could potentially attract large crowds if played at the Emirates.
      Adam Salter tweeted: “Seeing as Arsenal aren’t in Europe next season please, please, please can we let Arsenal Women use the Emirates Stadium for their midweek European Games?
      “Just imagine the crowds we could get in! This could be a massive opportunity to expand and bring more Gooners to the Women’s games!”
      The author of the tweet was thrilled to see their plea catch the attention of Wright, who is a WSL ambassador and a huge fan of the women’s game.
      The Highbury icon, 57, who won five major trophies with Arsenal including a Prem title and a Cup Winners’ Cup, shared the post with his 1.9million Twitter followers.
      In response, Adam Salter tweeted: “Thank you so much Wrighty, you absolute legend! It’s an honour to have you in our corner! Thank You!”
      Arsenal, who won the Women’s Champions League in 2007, will compete in the contest for the sixteenth time next term.
      The club remains the only English team to have won the competition, under legendary former boss Vic Akers, with rivals Chelsea reaching the finals this year.
      Ian Wright shared a fan’s plea for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League games to be played at the Emirates
      Arsenal beat Man Utd to third in the top tier to a place in Europe’s top club competitionCredit: Getty

      Next season Arsenal will aim to go beyond the competition’s last eight after being beaten in the quarters of the 2020 Champions League by PSG.
      Meanwhile, their male counterparts will have their attention fully focused on securing a top-four finish next term with no European action on the cards.
      The last time the Gunners men’s team failed to qualify for competitions in Europe was in 1995, a year before Arsene Wenger’s arrival.
      And some Arsenal fans have suggested the Prem side would have finished higher than eighth if the team had the attacking prowess of Vivianne Miedema.
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      Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Lyon over a swap deal that could see Vivianne Miedema move to FranceCredit: Rex
      The Netherlands star netted 18 goals in 22 WSL games for the North London side this term.
      And although Dutch forward narrowly missed out on winning this season’s WSL Golden Boot, some supporters have been comparing her to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      But the Gunners goal machine could be on her way to French giants Lyon amid reports of a potential swap deal that could see Nikita Parris move to North London.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Nikita Parris in the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
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      Arsenal in talks to swap WSL goal machine Vivianne Miedema for Lyon star Nikita Parris

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      NIKITA PARRIS could be on her way to Arsenal in a sensational switch that would see Vivianne Miedema move to French giants Lyon. Both clubs are reported to be mulling over a swap deal with the WSL hot shot entering the final year of her Gunners contract, according to The Guardian. 
      Lyon are reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a swap deal for Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Getty
      The deal would reportedly involve Parris moving to Arsenal ahead of next seasonCredit: Rex
      Arsenal have been looking to tie Miedema down to a new contract for this year. 
      In January former boss Joe Montemurro brushed off speculation of Lyon’s interest in the forward, who has netted 60 goals in 67  appearances for the Gunners. 
      But it is thought the club, who signed Japan forward Mana Iwabuchi, are reluctant to allow the Netherlands superstar to leave on a free transfer next summer. 
      Miedema, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Lyon, who are one of the most dominant forces in women’s football in Europe. 
      The French outfit currently hold the record for the most top-flight title wins in France with 14 Ligue One Women’s crowns. 
      And they have also won the most Champions League titles with a tally of seven trophy wins in the competition. 
      Miedema, who moved to Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017, has been on fire for the Gunners in front of goal this term.
      The Dutch ace netted 18 times in 22 top-flight appearances this term helping the North London side beat Man United to third to qualify for the Champions League.  
      And the Netherlands striker broke the record for the most number of goals scored by a player in the WSL surpassing Nikita Parris’ tally of 49. 
      However, the Gunners, who have won the WSL title once since Miedema’s move to the club, finished this season trophyless and nine points behind league winners Chelsea. 
      Parris, 27, who has 50 England international caps, left Manchester City for Lyon in 2019 after a trophy-laden five-year spell. 
      The Liverpool-born striker, won a WSL title, two league cups and two FA cups with the Citizens following her move from Everton in 2016 
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      Miedema, 24, has been in fine form for Arsenal 18 goals in 22 WSL games this termCredit: Getty

      The Lionesses forward, who moved to Lyon on a three-year deal, has enjoyed silverware success with the side.
      Her trophy wins include a Ligue One title and the Champions League in 2020. 
      Parris, whose team are currently second in France’s top tier and a point behind Paris Saint Germain, has netted 11 goals in 19 league games this term. 
      Lyon are due take on PSG next in a highly anticipated clash for the title.
      Parris and her Lyon team-mates are due to play PSG in their penultimate game of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

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      Arsenal land Japan star Iwabuchi months after being linked with the former Aston Villa ace

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      MANA IWABUCHI has signed for Women’s Super League giants Arsenal after being heavily linked with a summer move. The former Bayern Munich and Aston Villa forward’s switch to North London ends months of speculation. 
      Mana Iwabuchi has signed for Arsenal ending months of rumours linking her with the clubCredit: Getty
      Iwabuchi had been an Arsenal target prior to her move to Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      It is thought the playmaker, who began her senior career at 16 in Japan’s top flight, had been eyed as a replacement for ex-Gunners forward Jill Roord.
      Details of the deal for Iwabuchi are yet to be disclosed by Arsenal.
      The club says the deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
      But the Japan star, 28, said: “I’m so happy to finally be able to announce that I am an Arsenal player. 
      “I know the club has wanted to sign me for a long time now, so it’s a great honour to be able to play for Arsenal.
      “There are so many amazing players and I can’t wait to get started.”
      Iwabuchi, whose playing career began at Nippon TV Beleza, has been an Arsenal transfer target over the past 18 months with former boss Joe Montemurro keen on the player.
      The forward sealed a surprise move to Villa in December 2020, netting two goals in 13 top-flight appearances before leaving the side in May. 
      And the Japan international won plaudits for her performances for the Villans, helping them to avoid relegation to the Championship before leaving the side this month.

      Iwabuchi plied her trade with at Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa before sealing a switch to the top division of the women’s game in England.
      And the forward spent three years at German giants Bayern Munich from 2014 to 2017, where she was a team-mate of Arsenal goal machine Vivianne Miedema. 
      Together the duo won back-to-back Women’s Bundesliga titles in 2015 and 2016. 
       Iwabuchi, who was part of the famous Japan side who won the World Cup in 2011, has joined an Arsenal outfit on the hunt for a new boss.
      Iwabuchi’s Arsenal move will see her reunited with former Bayern Munich team-mate Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Rex

      The forward was part of the Japan team who made history by becoming the first Asian side to beat the USA in a World Cup final.
      The signing of Iwabuchi is a big statement of intent for Arsenal who will make their return to Champions League action next season. 
      The Gunners, who finished third last term and nine points behind WSL champs Chelsea, will be pushing for the title next term.
      Iwabuchi helped Japan win the Women’s World Cup in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
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      Tottenham release 11 WSL players including Rianna Dean and former Chelsea ace Gemma Davison

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      TOTTENHAM have parted company with eleven players from their first-team squad with the side set for a major overhaul this summer. Striker Rianna Dean and former Chelsea star Gemma Davison are among the aces who have been released with their contracts coming to an end. 
      Rianna Dean is among the 11 players released from TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Gemma Davison left the club after two seasons after her contract came to an endCredit: Getty
      The news comes weeks after the team finished eighth in the women’s top tier six months into Rehanne Skinner’s reign as boss.  
      Other players released include Australia international defender Alanna Kennedy and Tottenham’s longest-serving player Lucy Leon who joined the side in 2013.
      Davison, 34, made a 2019 switch to Spurs following a one-season spell at Reading, and three years playing for Emma Hayes’ Chelsea. 
      The former Blues winger was part of the Tottenham team who took on her old side when the champions played their first-ever WSL game at Stamford Bridge. 
      It was a victory that saw Spurs fall to a 1-0 defeat on the opening day of the 2019-20 season.
      Prior to her two-year career at Tottenham, Davison won four WSL titles during stints with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool between 2012 and 2018.
      The veteran forward netted once in 28 top flight appearances for Spurs between 2019 and 2021, helping the side finish seventh in their debut WSL season. 
      Davison’s former team-mate Dean, 22, was part of the Tottenham side that secured promotion to the women’s top tier from the Championship ahead of the 2019-20 season.
      The former Millwall Lioness striker scored ten goals for Spurs in 37 top-flight appearances during the club’s first two seasons in the WSL. 
      On Twitter Dean posted a touching farewell message to the club and its fans paying a warm tribute to former Spurs bosses Karen Hill and Juan Amoros. 
      In her post, Dean wrote: “I wanted to say thank you to all my team-mates and the amazing fans for all their support.
      “I want to thank Karen and Juan for giving me the opportunity to sign my first ever professional contract and their belief they had in me. 
      Tottenham finished eighth in the WSL and reached the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Rex

      “It has been a great journey especially in gaining promotion to the WSL. I wish the club all the best for next season.” 
      Goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen and Netherlands centre-back Siri Worm are among the other players departing following the expiration of their contracts. 
      And striker Lucy Quinn and midfielders Chloe Peplow, Anna Filbey and Elisha Sulola have also been released. 
      Rehanne Skinner will be looking to rebuild her squad ahead Tottenham’s third season in the WSLCredit: PA
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      Montemurro reportedly set for Italy switch and Juventus Women’s top job after Arsenal exit

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      JOE MONTEMURRO is rumoured to be close to becoming Juventus Women’s head coach following his Arsenal departure, according to reports.The 51-year-old is top of the Serie A Women’s side’s shortlist for the role according to the Italian newspaper Affari Italiani.
      Joe Montemurro has been heavily linked with Juventus following his exit from ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Montemurro led Arsenal to a third place in the WSL and qualification for the 2021-22 Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Speculation has grown following the news of Rita Guarino’s decision to leave the Italian champions after four years at the helm.
      Guarino, 50, had been in charge since the Old Lady’s women’s team was established in 2017.
      Juve, who crushed Inter Milan in their final Serie A game of the 2020-21 season, won their fourth top-flight title this year.
      And the Turin juggernauts have dominated the Italian women’s game since their creation winning one Cup and two Super Cups.
      Australian Montemurro has Italian parents and spent five years as a player in the country.
      The former midfielder enjoyed a one-year stint at Serie C side Potenza in 1989 and four years with Treviso from 1991 to 1995
      Affari Italiani believe Montemurro’s deep ties with Italy could be a factor in his decision to coach Juve.
      Montemurro, who led Arsenal to a league cup and WSL league title in 2018 and 2019, has been linked with the Old Lady in the past.
      Montemurro is reportedly a favourite to replace former Juve Women’s boss Rita GuarinoCredit: Getty
      While the former Gunners boss has previously distanced himself from the post, he did admit the club had approached his agent to express their interest.
      And the former Melbourne Women’s City boss commented on the rumours after Arsenal’s 9-0 thumping of Crystal Palace in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round.
      Montemurro said: “I haven’t seen anything about it and it’s news to me, to be honest.
      “I won’t lie, there have been some calls to my agent and some inquiries.
      “But I haven’t agreed to anything and nor do I intend to make any decisions for now.”
      In March Montemurro announced his decision to leave Arsenal at the end of the 2020-21 WSL season after three years in charge
      During his tenure, the former Gunners chief guided the North London giants to their first top-flight title in seven years in 2019.
      And he also led the side to one Champions League quarter finals in 2020 and an FA Cup final in 2018 where his team were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea.
      Juventus have won their fourth Serie A Women’s titleCredit: Getty

      And the former WSL boss oversaw the Gunners to qualification for next term’s Champions League pipping rivals Manchester United to third in the top tier.
      If Montemurro does end up at Juventus, club chiefs will hope he will bring his stylish brand of football to the club.
      The ex-Arsenal gaffer’s philosophy led Hope Powell to praise him for turning the Gunners into the “best team in the league.”
      Joe Montemurro had previously distanced himself from Juve Women’s manager’s roleCredit: PA
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