Arsenal right-back Noelle Maritz is set to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window, Swiss publication Blick reporting Aston Villa as her likely destination. The Swiss international, who joined Arsenal from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2020, looks set to join the WSL side this winter, though the BBC’s Emma Sanders reports that, while Villa are a front runner for her signature, a deal is not yet agreed.
Interesting update from Blick. I’m told a deal is not yet agreed, though Aston Villa are definitely in the running. They would need to pay a small fee with her contract not due to expire until the summer. Competition from a few other WSL clubs but Villa hopeful. #avfc https://t.co/thYvTsFQob
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) January 5, 2024
Maritz’s contract was due to expire this coming summer and with USWNT full-back Emily Fox expected to arrive in January as we reported in December, Maritz will make way in Arsenal’s squad, which is at the 25 player capacity.
Noelle was the subject of interest to Juventus last winter but stayed with Arsenal on that occasion. Recently, she lost her place in the starting line-up to Katie McCabe, who usually plays on the left side. Maritz starred in the 2023 Conti Cup Final against Chelsea in March and scored one goal for the Gunners.
Arseblog News always understood Maritz, who has not been pictured with the squad for their post-Christmas training camp in Portugal, was a likely January departure but we had no information on her likely destination and therefore, did not report.
Best wishes Noelle. Three years of reliable and solid service to our Club.
Not my favourite member of the squad for a couple of reasons but best wishes for the future.
A solid player but maybe not as progressive as we would like hence picking Katie in preference. I guess that was an indicator that her Gunners days were numbered. However, even if Emily Fox arrives as a direct replacement for Noelle we still will not have a bespoke back up for right back. All the other names that are always mentioned are make do and mend substitutes to get us by not someone challenging for the position in the starting line up.
Yes I am aware we have Laura but realistically when will she be back at full fitness?
Fox can play both right and left back. She plays right back for USWNT
I would have liked for Maritz to stay until the end of the season, but Arsenal already exceed their squad limit. It’s true, as you say, that we won’t have a bespoke backup, but Pelova has also played right back, so we have plenty of cover. I’m excited to see what Fox can do and wish her (and Noelle) success.
I would imagine Codina could play either spot as well.