Arsenal Women have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona Femeni to sign Ona Batlle.
The 26-year-old’s contract expires this summer, and the Gunners are eyeing up a free transfer for her services.
Batlle joined Barcelona from Manchester United in 2023 and has gone on to make 103 appearances for the club.
Arsenal are interested in securing Batlle’s signature ahead of next season, in what could be a very busy summer for the north London side.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Emily Clogg breaks down the potential move and why it could be a perfect fit.
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BATLLE IN BARCA
There’s no denying that Barcelona have been the best side in Europe in recent years, and Batlle has become a key part of the Blaugrana defence.
Since joining Barca in 2023, she has won two Liga F titles, a Champions League, and even the World Cup with Spain.
Despite featuring predominantly at right-back for both club and country, it’s no secret that Batlle is also an exceptional player on the left-hand side.
She is an attacking full-back who is always looking to help out further up the pitch, a key feature often deployed by Renee Slegers at Arsenal.
ARSENAL INTEREST
Arsenal currently boast several different options at full-back.
Emily Fox, Katie McCabe, Smilla Holmberg, and Taylor Hinds are all part of the squad.
This summer, however, there are a large number of Arsenal players whose contracts are set to expire.
In that long list are two of those full-backs: the right-sided Fox, and the left-sided McCabe.
It remains to be seen which players the Gunners will retain ahead of next season, but it is set to be a very busy summer.
The interest in Batlle could suggest that one of Fox or McCabe may be set to leave.
In my opinion, Arsenal must hold onto Fox.
The 27-year-old American international has been one of their best players since she arrived in 2024.
While McCabe has been a brilliant servant to Arsenal over the years, her form has started to dip in recent seasons.
Signing Batlle would be a big upgrade at left-back and would also provide right-back cover if needed.
In fact, you could go as far as to say that a full-back pairing of Batlle and Fox is amongst the very best in the world.
If this move goes through, it would be a clear sign of intent from Slegers and Arsenal following what has so far been a disappointing domestic season.
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