Arsenal in talks to sign Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle this summer | OneFootball

Manchester, England, March 27th 2022: Ona Batlle (17 Manchester United) prepares to take a throw in during the Barclays FA Women’s Super League game between Manchester United v Everton at Old Trafford in Manchester, England Natalie Mincher/SPP

Former Manchester United full-back Ona Batlle could be set for a return to the Women’s Super League, with Arsenal reportedly interested in signing the Barcelona star.

Arsenal pursue move for Ona Batlle

The Athletic have reported that Arsenal are in talks to sign the 26-year-old this summer on a free transfer.

Batlle’s contract at Barcelona expires this summer, after joining the club in 2023 from Manchester United.

It could be the second big free agent signing for the Gunners this summer, with Arsenal also keen on Georgia Stanway.

Stanway has already confirmed she will leave Bayern Munich at the end of her contract.

Batlle, like Stanway, is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with teams in a different league from the one in which she currently plays.

The Spaniard is one of a number of key Barcelona players out of contract this summer, including Alexia Putellas – although the midfielder has a one-year extension option.

Barcelona have signed Claudia Pina and goalkeeper Cata Coll to new deals.

How would Batlle fit in at Arsenal?

Batlle plays as a right-back, which is a position taken up by Emily Fox at the moment.

The move would raise questions over Fox’s future, especially since Arsenal recently signed right-back Smilla Holmberg.

However, although Batlle is predominantly a right-back, she can play on either side of defence.

Arsenal’s left-back, Katie McCabe, is out of contract this summer and has been linked with a move to the NWSL. –

Therefore, Batlle could provide an option to Arsenal on both flanks.

Batlle’s career so far

Batlle 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.

Barcelona was always in her heart, though, and she returned in 2023, and has 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 Caldentey in the colours of Arsenal this summer.