Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona, with multiple reports stating the club are working towards a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer.
Batlle, who can operate at either right back or left back, is out of contract at Barcelona at the end of the season and is free to speak to clubs outside Spain, a situation that has allowed Arsenal to move early.
Both The Athletic and BBC Sport report that negotiations are at an advanced stage and that there is optimism around reaching a pre-contract agreement for the Spain international to join when her deal expires. Tim Stillman reports that it is his understanding that an agreement is close.
The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the leading full backs in the women’s game, valued for her pace, technical quality and ability to play on either flank. Arsenal view her versatility as a major asset, with the potential to provide cover across both full-back positions.
It is possible, however, she is coming primarily to play at left-back with Katie McCabe likely to leave when her own contract expires in the summer.
Batlle previously played in the Women’s Super League with Manchester United, before returning to Barcelona, where she has won the Champions League and Liga F.
At international level, she has been a key figure for Spain, playing her part in their World Cup triumph and their run at Euro 2025.
The move forms part of Arsenal’s wider planning for the summer window, with reports also linking the club to Georgia Stanway on a free from Bayern Munich, as they look to strengthen and improve a squad expected to lose a number of high-profile players this summer.