Arsenal Women have secured a major piece of their attacking puzzle, with Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius committing her future to the club through a new two-year contract.
The 30-year-old striker, who arrived from BK Hacken in 2022, has become a crucial figure for the Gunners, netting 64 goals across 152 appearances in all competitions. This season alone, she has contributed seven goals and three assists in 15 Women's Super League matches, while also finding the net in the Champions League quarter-final victory over Chelsea.
"Club sources indicate that retaining Blackstenius was a priority before the summer, as she offers a distinct attacking threat alongside England forward Alessia Russo," the club noted.
Blackstenius has developed a reputation as Arsenal's super-sub, delivering decisive moments when it matters most. She scored the late winner in last season's Champions League final against Barcelona, struck an extra-time goal to clinch the 2024 Women's League Cup against Chelsea, and netted a dramatic late winner against Manchester City in the 2023 semi-finals.
Beyond her goal-scoring prowess, the Swedish international is highly valued for her off-the-ball work and ability to create space for teammates. She has started six WSL matches this season, forming a productive partnership with Russo as Arsenal sit third in the table—just two points behind Chelsea with two games in hand.
Her trophy cabinet with Arsenal includes four major honors: the Champions League, Champions Cup, and two League Cups. Blackstenius also finished as the club's top scorer in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
Internationally, she has helped Sweden claim Olympic silver medals in 2016 and 2020, while securing third-place finishes at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
The Gunners now turn their attention to Sunday's Champions League semi-final clash against record-winners Lyon (15:30 BST), with Blackstenius expected to play a key role in their pursuit of European glory.