Arsenal have secured the services of Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer after her departure from Barcelona.
It is understood that Batlle has agreed to a four-year contract, which includes an option for an additional year.
The 27-year-old, considered among the elite full-backs in the sport, left Barcelona after contributing to their Champions League triumph in May.
During her three-year tenure in Spain, Batlle featured in 114 matches as Barcelona claimed three consecutive league championships and two European titles.
Batlle was also in the starting lineup for their Champions League final loss to Arsenal in 2025.
“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,” said Batlle.
“I want to win trophies and I feel this is the right place to achieve that.”
Batlle came through Barcelona’s youth system before making her senior breakthrough with Madrid CFF in 2017.
She gained consistent first-team experience at fellow Spanish top-division side Levante ahead of her move to Manchester United in 2020.
The defender went on to accumulate 77 appearances for United before heading back to Barcelona as a firmly established Spain international.
Batlle has earned 76 caps for Spain and was a member of the squad that lifted the World Cup in 2023 and finished as runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She was selected for the Fifa Best XI in 2024 and 2025, and it is believed she signed a pre-contract agreement to join Arsenal earlier this year.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Ona to the club,” said Arsenal manager Renee Slegers.
“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.”
Arsenal’s 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.”
Batlle will sport the number 22 shirt at Arsenal.
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