Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of Ona Batlle on a free transfer from Barcelona. Arseblog News understands this is a four year deal with an option for a further year. The 27-year-old full-back joins after making 114 appearances and scoring 14 goals across three seasons at Barca.
Prior to that, Batlle played for Manchester United where she was a teammate of Alessia Russo. Batlle has won three league titles, three Spanish Cups, three Spanish Super Cups and two UEFA Champions League titles with Barca and has won the World Cup with Spain, with whom she has won 76 caps to date.
Batlle can play at right-back or left-back and bolsters the Gunners’ full-back options following the departure of Katie McCabe to Chelsea. She will wear the number 22 shirt formerly worn by Jenna Nighswonger, who will almost certainly leave the club this summer.
“I’m very happy and excited to get going,” said Batlle. “Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can’t wait to feel the joy of playing in front of our supporters at Emirates Stadium alongside so many great players. I want to win trophies and I feel this is the right place to achieve that.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Ona’s track record at both club and international level speaks for itself – she’s a proven winner with a hunger to add more trophies. We’re delighted to bring one of the best defenders in the world to Arsenal, and I know our supporters will make her feel welcome straight away.”
Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Ona to the club. She’s a hugely experienced full-back with strong attacking intent and great physical attributes. She’s a winner and we want to go for more wins together.”