Laia Codina, the FC Barcelona defender who has shone at the World Cup with the Spanish national team, is setting her sights on a transfer to Arsenal.
Codina seeks more playing time and sees the North London club as the ideal place to continue her ascent.
- Laia Codina from FC Barcelona is keen on a move to Arsenal after her World Cup campaign.
- Codina’s decision to leave Barça surprised many, but the club has agreed to negotiate a transfer following her request.
- Arsenal’s recent performances, including their Champions League run, make them an attractive option for Codina.
→ Her departure was not part of Barça’s plans – Mundo Deportivo 15 August 2023
Codina’s Arsenal Ambition
Laia Codina’s aspiration to play for a top-tier club with substantial playing time is a key reason behind her decision to leave Barcelona.
A report from Spain claims that, with Barça’s current midfield pair, Irene Paredes and Mapi León, seen by many as the world’s best, Codina feels her best chance for regular playing time lies elsewhere.
Arsenal’s proposal appears to be her top choice.
Unexpected Departure
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona were not prepared for Codina’s decision to leave.
Unlike other players such as Nuria Rábano and Emma Ramírez, whose contracts were terminated, Codina was a part of Barça’s long-term plans.
Her departure is made even more significant due to the respect and love she holds in the club’s dressing room.
However, respecting her wishes, the club’s management has decided to entertain transfer offers.
Arsenal’s Appeal
There’s no doubting the allure of the English league and Arsenal’s ambitions.
Last season, Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals, narrowly missing out on a place in the final after a slim defeat to Wolfsburg.
They finished the domestic season third, just behind Manchester United and Chelsea.
The club’s recent acquisition of Swedish central player, Amanda Ilested, further emphasises their intent to compete at the highest level.
Intriguingly, Codina and Ilested faced off in the World Cup semi-final between Spain and Sweden, with both starting for their countries.
After a frantic finish, Spain emerged victorious thanks to goals from Salma Paralluelo and Olga either side of Rebecka Blomqvist’s strike that was assisted by Arsenal’s Lina Hurtig.
Codina’s World Cup Journey
Playing at the World Cup has highlighted Codina’s calibre.
It’s no surprise that she’s keen on playing at a club where she feels her talents will be valued and where she can showcase her skills on the biggest stages.
Other reports
On Monday, Tim Stillman for Arseblog News, reported Arsenal’s interest in Codina.
Conclusion
The future looks bright for Laia Codina as she seeks new challenges and aims to further her football career.
With her evident talent and Arsenal’s aspirations, this potential transfer could be a win-win for both parties.