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The transfer period is approaching and with it the speculation about contract extensions and non-extensions. Arsenal announced their first two signings today. Specifically, two Swedish players - defender Amanda Ilestedt and forward Lina Hurtig. Both are out of contract at the end of the season and will not be extended further.

Hurtig joined the London club from Serie A's Juventus in 2022. She has appeared in 36 games and scored seven times. It was her former club, Juventus, against whom she was the only one to make it through the Champions League group stage.

Ilestedt joined Arsenal in 2023 from PSG. In 23 matches she scored three times. She also drew attention to herself with her story of being able to come back after a maternity break.

Along with Ilestedt and Hurtig, Teyah Goldie, who was on loan at London City Lionesses, also leaves the Gunners.

Amanda Ilestedt returned to football after her maternity leave on January 29, 2025. She played for Arsenal in the FA Cup match against Bristol City, coming on in the 79th minute. After that, she was invited to join the Swedish national team for the April training camp. Her baby daughter Mila and her partner Rainer Müller came with her.

This was possible thanks to a new agreement that supports players with children. Nevertheless, she did not take part in Friday's match against Italy. Her international comeback came on Tuesday 8 April, when she came on in the 89th minute against Wales, played on home stadion in Gothenburg. However, she was unable to turn the game around as Sweden drew 1-1 with Wales.

​Arsenal and Sweden defender Amanda Ilestedt continued light training after announcing her pregnancy in March 2024, adjusting exercises under medical supervision to ensure safety for herself and her baby. As her pregnancy progressed, she faced complications that required her to stop training and focus on pelvic-floor exercises to prepare for childbirth. After delivering her daughter, Mila, via C-section on August 30, 2024, Ilestedt gradually resumed physical activity, rebuilding strength and reconnecting with her muscles. ​

Balancing motherhood and her professional career, Ilestedt managed her training schedule alongside breastfeeding, with support from her partner and Arsenal's accommodations. She made her return to competitive play five months post-birth, coming on as a substitute in Arsenal's FA Cup match against Bristol City on January 29, 2025. Reflecting on her journey, Ilestedt expressed pride in returning to top-level football after childbirth and hopes to inspire other women to see that it's possible to pursue both motherhood and a professional sports career. ​