Rumour has it Arsenal are in talks to sign Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle this summer.
This should be good news for all Arsenal fans, but it means either Emily Fox or Katie McCabe will leave when their contracts expire this summer, as there is no way Batlle would move to Arsenal if she were going to be second best.
It could be either of these players, while predominantly a right-back, Batlle can play on either side of the defence.
But in January, Arsenal signed right-back Smilla Holmberg, potentially exacerbating the possible loss of Emily Fox, as Batlle would not go to a club to be third in her preferred position.
These rumours are only amplified by the fact that after the London derby at Stamford Bridge, McCabe looked visibly upset and made the players come together to take a photo with the fans behind. Could that be her coming to grips with her farewell? She is linked with a move to the NWSL, and it's likely that her partner, who is also at Arsenal, could leave for Caitlin Foord.
This would not be Batlle's first stint in the WSL; she previously played for Manchester United.
Her partner, however, plays for Chelsea. While the Blues do not need a right back, they need depth in the left back position, and the Spanish international can play there, too.
The 26-year-old's contract with Barcelona expires this summer, after joining in 2023, given Barca's financial issues that have impacted their ability to renew players' contracts.
It could be the second big free agent signing for the Gunners this summer, with Arsenal also keen on Georgia Stanway.
The Spaniard is one of several key Barcelona players out of contract this summer, including Alexia Putellas- although the midfielder has a one-year extension option.
The Spanish star started her career in Barcelona’s youth academy before having short stints at both Madrid CFF and Levante.
She joined Manchester United in 2020 at the age of 21, and made 75 appearances over three years for the Red Devils.
She returned to Spain, where she won two league titles and one Champions League trophy with the Spanish giants.
She fell on the losing side with Barcelona in last season’s Champions League final, as well as for Spain against England in the Euro 2025 final. However, in the Euro 2025 final, she was arguably the Player of the Match and provided the assist for Mariona Caldentey’s opener.
Batlle could be set to reunite with Mariona Caldentey in the colours of Arsenal this summer.
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