USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger could be set to leave Arsenal after just one year with the Gunners.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal in January 2025 from Gotham FC, where she won the NWSL Championship in 2023.
However, things have not worked to plan for Nighswonger at Arsenal.
Jenna Nighswonger could leave Arsenal in January
Various reports on social media have claimed that Nighswonger could leave Arsenal on loan or permanently during the January transfer window.
There are also reports that Nighswonger could return to the National Women’s Soccer League.
Nighswonger is valued highly in the NWSL and won the NWSL Rookie of the Year award in 2023.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could see an incoming addition in the January transfer window, with strong reports that they could sign Smilla Holmberg from Swedish club Hammarby.
Hammarby CEO Richard von Yxkull told Sportbladet that it’s “no secret” that Holmberg is attracting a lot of interest.
Holmberg would not be a like-for-like replacement for Nighswonger, as the Swedish star plays at right-back while Nighswonger’s strongest position is at left-back.
What has gone wrong for Nighswonger at Arsenal?
Nighswonger’s potential departure comes as no surprise, given the lack of minutes she has received at Arsenal.
The defender has made just six appearances for the Gunners, with just one this season.
Nighswonger played the final 15 minutes during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Leicester last month. Her only starts last season were against Crystal Palace in the Women’s Super League and the London City Lionesses in the Women’s FA Cup.
Ian Wright questioned Renee Slegers over her lack of faith in the USWNT defender.
The Arsenal legend said: “I need some clarity on what’s going on with Arsenal and Jenna. [She had] a good preseason, I’m hearing from people. [She’s] more than capable of playing at this level — she’s not even in the matchday squads.
“If she’s not injured, why did they deny her a loan move? Why would they do that? So, Arsenal, answer that. What are you doing with this girl and her career?”
Amid criticism over her usage of Nighswonger, Slegers said squad selection decisions hurt her as well.
She said: “We recruited Jenna and she’s part of us. She’s part of the team. That’s a burden I have to carry.
“When the whole squad is fit, we have so many options. I will only be able to start 11 players, and I will only be able to change a maximum of five players.
“That’s the rules within the game that I have to work with, even though it hurts me as well.”
