Stanway’s arrival at Arsenal on a free transfer from Bayern is one of the most high-profile moves of an eye-catching transfer window in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
The midfielder enjoyed four trophy-laden years with the German club, and boasts two European Championship winners’ medals with England.
A long-established totem in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses side, Stanway told the Women’s Football Weekly podcast how playing in the Bundesliga has developed her game.
“I’ve massively changed as a player and as a person,” she said. “I’ve got more comfortable with myself and I enjoy my own time a lot more.
“Munich also gave me the opportunity to develop a position and to figure out how I wanted to play with trust and expectation from the manager.”
She arrives at Emirates Stadium in her prime and ready to ignite Arsenal’s push for a first WSL title since 2018-19.
She explains that once aware of their interest, there was only one club in the running for her signature.
“I knew I wanted to take the next step,” she said. “I really like the fact Arsenal came in for me when I wasn’t available. It’s a really nice feeling to be wanted.
“What Arsenal are building within England, within the WSL, within Europe, is something I want to be part of.
“It’s setting the standard with women’s football.”