Arsenal sign Chamberlain, keep Byrne, lose White

UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finalists Arsenal LFC have signed England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain while also giving long-serving No1 Emma Byrne a new contract, but Ellen White has become the latest player to depart.

Chamberlain, 30, joins from Bristol Academy WFC, who she helped pip Arsenal to second place in the 2013 FA Women's Super League (WSL) to earn a European place for 2014/15. Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Byrne – who has been with the Gunners since 2000 and works as an academy coach – also remains as Arsenal build towards their last-eight meeting with WSL rivals Birmingham City LFC in March, having previously secured Jordan Nobbs and Danielle Carter on new deals.

However, following Kim Little, Stephanie Houghton and Gemma Davison out of the club is England forward Ellen White, who has joined Notts County LFC, replacing Lincoln LFC in the WSL. White has agreed a three-year deal.

Formerly with Chelsea LFC, Fulham LFC, Birmingham, Chelsea LFC and Vancouver Whitecaps before joining Bristol in 2010, Chamberlain has been capped 26 times and played in the 2011/12 UEFA Women's Champions League for the Vixens. "I'm really excited to be signing for such a massive club in Arsenal," she told Arsenal.com. "The club have got a fantastic history and so many talented players, including Emma of course. I'm looking forward to working with her, and think the competition between us will help push us both on, as we prepare for the 2014 season."

Capped more than 100 times for Ireland, Byrne helped Arsenal win the 2007 UEFA Women's Cup and is the only player to make 75 appearances in European female club competition. "I'm delighted to have signed an extension to my contract," she said. "With Siobhan's arrival we're looking really strong in the goalkeeper area. I'm looking forward to working with her in the coming months."