Arsenal Women step up talks to land World Cup winner

Arsenal are holding talks over a possible move for Barcelona defender Ona Batlle ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports from The Athletic.

The Gunners are exploring the chance to bring the Spanish full-back to north London once her current deal expires at the end of the season.

Batlle is approaching the final months of her Barcelona contract, which runs out in June, placing her in a strong position to speak with interested clubs.

Arsenal are understood to be keeping a close watch on the situation as they plan for the next campaign.

Arsenal target defensive depth

The north London side already have strong options in wide defence, with Emily Fox a regular feature and Smila Holmberg arriving recently.

Despite those options, Arsenal are still keen to add more quality and balance to their back line ahead of a busy schedule.

Batlle is seen as a player who could raise competition levels and offer experience at the highest level of European football.

She is comfortable operating on either side of defence, a trait that fits Arsenal’s preference for flexible defenders.

Discussions between the two parties are ongoing, although no final agreement has been reached at this stage.

Batlle experience with Barcelona and Spain

The Spaniard joined Barcelona in 2023 after leaving Manchester United, returning to Spain after several seasons in England.

Since her arrival, she has been a regular figure in a side that continues to dominate the domestic game.

This season, the 26-year-old has featured 19 times across all competitions for Barcelona.

Batlle has enjoyed major success during her time with the club, lifting Liga F and the Copa de la Reina twice each.

She has also won the Spanish Super Cup on three occasions, underlining her experience in title-winning squads.

At international level, Batlle has earned 49 caps for Spain, establishing herself as a trusted option for the national side.

She was part of the squad that lifted the World Cup in 2023, a landmark moment for Spanish football.

Batlle is also a teammate of Arsenal star Mariona Caldentey at international level, adding a familiar link to the potential move.

With her contract nearing its end, the defender is free to explore options as Arsenal continue talks behind the scenes.

The post Arsenal Women step up talks to land World Cup winner first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.