The club has today issued a statement announcing their intention to give their Ladies playing squad financial recognition next season.

It follows two years after Fulham FC announced that their Ladies team would turn professional. Fulham have seen great advances in the fitness and performance of their players since training full-time.

Head of Women's Football Karen Doyle said: "The FA welcomes the news that a club of Arsenal's stature and influence has decided to move forward in this way. I am sure that the club will see benefits in fitness and player performance. This is a great leap forward for the club and alongside the professional side Fulham, this will be a great benefit for the National Division next season.

"I hope the fact that the players will be able to train more regularly will help Arsenal to build on their success in the inaugural UEFA Women's Cup this season. Arsenal will again, as National Division champions, be England's representatives in the competition next year and we wish them every luck.

"This announcement caps off a fine month for women's football, following a record audience of 2.5 million watching the FA Women's Cup Final and football becoming the top female sport in number of participants."

The Football Association is working towards a professional women's league and is hoping to have a blueprint of the feasibility of such a league ready soon.