​LONDON (AP) — Arsenal has added Ona Batlle, the former Barcelona defender, marking another high-profile transfer from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad as she makes a bold move to the English capital. Batlle served as Barcelona’s starting right back in the decisive 4-0 Champions League final victory over OL Reign in May, a match that underscored her status as a key player for the club before she left at the season’s end amid a broader exodus of pivotal personnel.
She becomes the second star from Spain’s 2023 World Cup-winning roster to relocate to England in the same week, following the arrival of Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, who joined London City Lionesses on Wednesday. Batlle stated that her aim is to chase trophies and that she believes Arsenal is the right environment to achieve that ambition, a sentiment she shared when the club officially announced her acquisition on Friday.
Batlle’s signing represents another significant statement by Arsenal, coming on the heels of the addition of England midfielder Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich last week. This marks Batlle’s return to England’s top league, the WSL, after previously spending time with Manchester United from 2020 to 2023.
In addition to Batlle and Putellas, the Barcelona lineup that reached the Champions League final is witnessing further movement, as defender Mapi Leon and forward Salma Paralluelo are also poised to find new clubs following the end of the season. The mass transitions from a team that finished strongly in Europe reflect a broader reshaping of squads as clubs in England and beyond pursue elite talent from Europe’s top sides.
Arsenal’s pursuit of top-tier talent continues to accelerate, with Batlle’s arrival illustrating the club’s intent to compete at the highest level and to reinforce a squad already fortified by the addition of Stanway. As the new season approaches, both Arsenal and Batlle will be aiming to convert these high-profile signings into tangible results, including potential silverware that can cement the club’s status among England’s leading teams in women’s football.