Spain defender Ona Batlle is set to join Arsenal on a free transfer when her Barcelona contract expires this summer.
Spain international full-back Ona Batlle is set to leave Barcelona as her contract expires at the end of the current season. The 26-year-old defender began talks with Arsenal about a future move back in January. Arsenal have been pursuing Batlle as a priority signing for their squad. The club is preparing to finalize multiple deals early in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal appears confident of completing several key transfers before the summer window opens. The club has prioritized Batlle as a key target following the departure of Republic of Ireland full-back Katie McCabe. England star Georgia Stanway is also expected to join when her contract with Bayern Munich expires at season's end. Stanway won back-to-back European Championships with England and has claimed three Bundesliga titles since moving from Manchester City in 2022. Reports suggest Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reuteler is also set to join Arsenal from Frankfurt in the upcoming transfer period.
Further additions to the squad have been mentioned as possible. Batlle's move would mark one of the most significant transfers in recent years for the club. Arsenal's recruitment strategy has shifted toward early planning and securing top talent ahead of time.
Arsenal appointed former England striker Jodie Taylor as the first technical director for the women's team in January. The club aims to plan ahead across the next three transfer windows to ensure steady progress. This shift in leadership coincides with the push to strengthen the squad with experienced and high-performing players. Batlle’s signing would align with this long-term vision.
Batlle spent three seasons at Manchester United from 2020 to 2023 before returning to Barcelona. She was part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 World Cup. Batlle also played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2025 final run, where they lost to England on penalties. She helped Barcelona win the Women’s Champions League in 2024 and is regarded as one of the world’s top defenders.
Arsenal recently announced a two-year contract extension for striker Stina Blackstenius.