Arsenal close to signing Barcelona defender Ona Batlle on free transfer
Spain defender Ona Batlle is close to agreeing a summer move to Arsenal as a free agent following the expiration of her Barcelona contract.
Advanced discussions over a pre-contract agreement have been ongoing since January.
The Gunners are increasingly confident of securing their priority targets early in an ambitious recruitment drive.
Ambitious summer rebuild underway
The 26-year-old World Cup winner is expected to replace Republic of Ireland full-back Katie McCabe, who is anticipated to leave the club.
England midfielder Georgia Stanway is also poised to join the north London side when her Bayern Munich deal concludes.
The Lionesses star secured three Bundesliga titles in Germany after departing Manchester City in 2022.
Reports also suggest Switzerland international Geraldine Reuteler could be making the switch from Eintracht Frankfurt to further bolster the squad.
Return to the Women’s Super League
Securing the former Manchester United right-back represents a major coup for the newly revamped Arsenal recruitment department.
Technical director Jodie Taylor, appointed earlier this year, has implemented a proactive strategy designed to plan three transfer windows ahead.
The Catalan native previously spent three successful seasons in England before returning to her boyhood club in 2023.
She recently helped the Spanish giants lift the Women’s Champions League trophy in 2024 alongside her international triumphs.
Squad foundations solidified
The dynamic full-back also played a pivotal role as her national team reached the Euro 2025 final, where they ultimately fell to England on penalties.
She is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive talents in world football and remains eager to test herself again in England’s domestic league.
Meanwhile, the Arsenal hierarchy has already secured the immediate future of striker Stina Blackstenius with a new two-year contract extension.
