Arsenal sign Spain defender Ona Batlle from Barcelona on free transfer
Arsenal have signed Spanish international defender Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona, with the 27-year-old returning to the Women’s Super League after three seasons. Batlle made 114 appearances for Barcelona, winning 11 trophies including two Champions Leagues, and previously played for Manchester United. She is Arsenal’s fourth summer signing as the club strengthens its squad amid growing competition. Batlle has 76 caps for Spain, winning the 2023 World Cup, and was named in the FIFA Best XI in 2024 and 2025.
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Arsenal Officially Sign Former Manchester United and Barcelona Defender Ona Batlle
Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Spanish international defender Ona Batlle following the expiry of her contract with Barcelona. The 27-year-old returns to England after three successful years at Barcelona, where she made over 110 appearances and helped the club win the UEFA Women's Champions League earlier this year. Batlle originally spent three seasons at Manchester United between 2020 and 2023, making 75 appearances before returning to Spain. She is considered one of Europe's finest full-backs. Her arrival is seen as a statement signing for Arsenal as they strengthen their squad for domestic and European competitions. The article also notes that Manchester United have been securing key defenders, with Harry Maguire signing a new contract in April.
Yardbarker: SoccerArsenal sign Spain defender Ona Batlle on free transfer from Barcelona
Arsenal have signed Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer following her departure from Barcelona. The 27-year-old full-back, widely regarded as one of the world's best, has joined on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year. Batlle spent three seasons at Barcelona, making 114 appearances and winning three league titles and two Champions League trophies, including the 2025 final which Barcelona lost to Arsenal. She previously played for Manchester United and Levante, and has 76 caps for Spain, winning the 2023 World Cup and finishing runner-up at Euro 2025. Batlle was named in the FIFA Best XI in 2024 and 2025. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised her experience and winning mentality. The signing is part of Arsenal's squad rebuild after losing key players like Katie McCabe and Beth Mead, with other new arrivals including Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, and Geraldine Reuteler.
BBC SportArsenal sign Spain defender Ona Batlle on free transfer from Barcelona
Arsenal have signed Spain international defender Ona Batlle on a free transfer following her departure from Barcelona. The 27-year-old, widely regarded as one of the world's best full-backs, has agreed a four-year contract with an option for a further year. Batlle spent three years at Barcelona, making 114 appearances and winning three league titles and two Champions League trophies, including the 2025 final which Barcelona lost to Arsenal. She previously played for Manchester United in the WSL and has 76 caps for Spain, winning the 2023 World Cup and finishing runner-up at Euro 2025. Batlle was named in the FIFA Best XI in 2024 and 2025. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised her experience and attacking intent, while director of women's football Clare Wheatley called her 'one of the best defenders in the world'. Batlle will wear the number 22 shirt. The signing is part of Arsenal's revamped recruitment strategy under new technical director Jodie Taylor.
BBC SportArsenal sign Spain defender Ona Batlle on free transfer from Barcelona
Arsenal have signed Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer following her departure from Barcelona. The 27-year-old full-back, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, has joined on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year. Batlle spent three years at Barcelona, making 114 appearances and winning three league titles and two Champions League trophies, including the 2025 final which Barcelona lost to Arsenal. She previously played for Manchester United and Levante, and has 76 caps for Spain, winning the 2023 World Cup and finishing runner-up at Euro 2025. Batlle was named in the FIFA Best XI in 2024 and 2025. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised her experience and winning mentality, while director of women's football Clare Wheatley called her 'one of the best defenders in the world'. Batlle will wear the number 22 shirt. The signing is part of Arsenal's revamped recruitment strategy under new technical director Jodie Taylor.
BBC SportArsenal hail signing of ‘winner’ Ona Batlle after Barcelona summer exodus
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spain full-back Ona Batlle on a free transfer following her departure from Barcelona. The 27-year-old is Arsenal's fourth signing of the summer transfer window, joining Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, and Geraldine Reuteler. Batlle is one of four major Barcelona players leaving on free transfers this summer, alongside Alexia Putellas (who joined London City Lionesses), Mapi León (expected to join London City), and Salma Paralluelo (next club unknown). Batlle made 114 appearances and scored 14 goals for Barcelona over three seasons, winning 11 trophies including two Champions Leagues. She previously played for Manchester United and started her career in Barcelona's academy. Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers praised Batlle as a 'winner' with strong attacking intent, while Batlle expressed excitement about joining 'one of the biggest clubs in the world' and her desire to win trophies.
Football | The GuardianArsenal hail signing of ‘winner’ Ona Batlle after Barcelona summer exodus
Arsenal have confirmed the free transfer signing of Spain full-back Ona Batlle, 27, following her departure from Barcelona. Batlle is the fourth arrival for Arsenal this summer, joining Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, and Geraldine Reuteler, all on free transfers. Batlle, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2023, won 11 trophies in three seasons at Barcelona, including two Champions Leagues. She expressed excitement about joining 'one of the biggest clubs in the world' and her desire to win trophies. Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers called Batlle a 'winner' with strong attacking intent. Separately, Manchester City signed England full-back Niamh Charles from Chelsea on a three-year deal until 2029, for a reported £500,000 fee. Charles is City's second summer signing after Beth Mead. The moves highlight significant transfer activity in the Women's Super League.
Football | The GuardianArsenal sign Ona Batlle from Barcelona on permanent deal
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish international defender Ona Batlle from Barcelona on a permanent contract. The 27-year-old, who previously played for Manchester United in the Women's Super League, returns to England after three seasons at Barcelona where she made 114 appearances and scored 14 goals. Batlle expressed excitement about joining 'one of the biggest clubs in the world' and her desire to win trophies. Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers praised Batlle's experience, attacking intent, and winning mentality. Sky Sports analysis highlights Arsenal's active summer transfer window, which also includes signings like Georgia Stanway, Geraldine Reuteler, and Selina Cerci, as the club aims to strengthen its squad amid growing competition from Manchester City, Chelsea, and others.
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