Arsenal defender Jen Beattie has extended her contract with the club. The Scottish international’s previous deal expired this summer and the 31-year-old will extend.

With Simone Boye likely to leave and Anna Patten to join Aston Villa on loan next season Beattie will continue to provide back-up to Rafaelle, Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy.

However, Beattie will have a role beyond her playing duty, Jen will undertake a mentor role with the club’s academy players, lending her experience to the junior players at Arsenal. She will also undertake a role within the sponsorship and partnerships team.

Jen is undertaking her second role at the club, having represented Arsenal from 2009 until 2013. She had spells with Montpellier, Manchester City and a loan spell with Melbourne City before returning to North London in 2019.

“I’ve really enjoyed the past three seasons, but I’ve still got so much to achieve as part of this club and I’m excited to extend,” said Jen. “This is the club that gave me my first real opportunity in football – I was an 18-year-old kid coming down here initially and obviously I’ve gone on and played elsewhere in between, but to be a part of it now… it’s close to home and it’s a special club. Being a part of the players and the staff we have, I really feel this is a club going in the right direction.”

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall added: “I’m very happy that Jen will be staying with us. Her experience and professionalism are so important for us as a squad and I know she will continue to make a key contribution both on and off the pitch, with the first team and with the young players in our academy set-up.”

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Jen knows this club inside out so we’re delighted that she has signed a new contract. As well as being an integral member of our playing squad, Jen will also spend time mentoring our academy players, and we have no doubt that she will bring the same dedication and drive to this role as we are used to seeing on the field of play.”

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