Arsenal hail signing of ‘winner’ Ona Batlle after Barcelona summer season exodus | Arsenal Ladies

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of the Spain full-back Ona Batlle totally free after her departure from Barcelona, persevering with the London membership’s busy begin to the switch window.

The 27-year-old is their fourth signing, after Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci and Geraldine Reuteler, who arrived from Bundesliga groups on free transfers, and the membership are understood to have been decided to finish their enterprise early.

Barcelona stated on the finish of Might that Batlle could be leaving on the finish of her contract. She is one among 4 members of the Spain squad to depart the Champions League winners on frees this summer season. Batlle, Alexia Putellas, whose signing by London Metropolis Lionesses was confirmed on Wednesday, Mapi León, who can be anticipated to affix London Metropolis, and Salma Paralluelo, whose subsequent membership is unknown, had been within the Spain beginning group that comprehensively beat England 4-0 in Mallorca in June.

The previous Manchester United right-back Batlle, who may play at left-back, made 114 appearances and scored 14 instances for Barcelona throughout a three-year spell.

“I’m very glad and excited to get going,” she advised Arsenal’s media channels. “Arsenal is likely one of the greatest golf equipment on the planet and I can’t wait to really feel the enjoyment of enjoying in entrance of our supporters. I wish to win trophies and I really feel that is the proper place to realize that.”

She performed 77 instances for United earlier than returning to Barcelona, the place she had began her profession. In her second spell together with her childhood group she gained three league titles, three Spanish Cups, three Spanish Tremendous Cups and two Champions Leagues. A World Cup winner with Spain in 2023, she performed in 2025’s European Championship remaining in opposition to England.

The Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers, stated: “She’s a vastly skilled full-back with sturdy attacking intent and nice bodily attributes. She’s a winner and we wish to go for extra wins collectively.”

Manchester Metropolis have confirmed the signing of the England full-back Niamh Charles from Chelsea on a three-year deal till 2029. The 27-year-old is the defending Ladies’s Tremendous League champions’ second summer season to this point, alongside the previous Arsenal ahead Beth Mead. Final month Manchester Metropolis agreed a £500,000 payment with Chelsea for Charles, who scored a penalty in final summer season’s European Championship remaining shootout for England.