Katie McCabe heading for Arsenal exit in summer as club target younger players | OneFootball

Katie McCabe is likely to leave Arsenal when her contract expires this summer, with no new deal on the table after what sources have described as “very respectful discussions” about her future.

The left-back has been there for just over 10 years and helped them become world and European champions, but Arsenal plan to refresh their squad this summer with younger players.

The 30-year-old wants to continue starting routinely at the top level and carry on winning trophies. Arsenal are understood to be targeting a summer move for the Barcelona and Spain full-back Ona Batlle.

Batlle is almost four years younger than McCabe and talks are believed to be progressing well with a view to her signing a pre-contract agreement. She was part of the Barcelona side beaten by Arsenal in last year’s Champions League final.

McCabe is a fan favourite at Arsenal and her exit would be highly emotional for her and the club. Neither Arsenal nor the player’s representatives wished to comment on her future.

The Republic of Ireland international helped Arsenal win the Women’s Super League in 2019 and has been a core part of their team for much of the modern, professional era, winning an FA Cup in 2016 and three League Cups, before last season’s Champions League triumph and Sunday’s victory in the inaugural Champions Cup. McCabe played the entire game as Arsenal won 3-2 against Corinthians after extra time.

McCabe has been voted Arsenal’s player of the season in both 2021 and 2023, and played in every match of their victorious Champions League run.

The prospect of one of the world’s best left-backs being available on a free has not gone unnoticed with WSL and NWSL sides interested.

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