Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports
BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.
Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target.
Last Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.
Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.
The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.
Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.
Last season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.
These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit.
Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.
The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.
It is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.
And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.
Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.
However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.
Should Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.
According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.
Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure.