Arsenal close to signing Barcelona star on a free contract: report

BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 25: Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona lifts the UEFA Women's Champions League Trophy as her team mates celebrate after the team's victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 Final match between FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais at San Mames Stadium on May 25, 2024 in Bilbao, Spain. — Barcelona star heading to north London (Image credit: David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona and Spain defender Ona Batlle could be moving to Arsenal in the summer, when her contract expires this summer.

The 26-year-old full back has been a target for the Gunners for some months and could be returning to the Women's Super League as a free agent.

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Who is Arsenal target Ona Batlle?

Batlle was born near Barcelona and came through the youth system at the club.

After developing at senior level in Spain, she moved to the WSL in 2020, joining Manchester United, where she spent three years. She made PFA Team of the Year during her time there, before returning to Barcelona.

Renee Slegers in a press conference — Arsenal boss Renee Slegers could be welcoming two free transfers (Image credit: Getty Images)

Batlle has been an instrumental part of Barcelona's recent success - winning Liga F in all of her seasons and lifting the Champions League trophy in 2024.

Having lost out to Arsenal in the 2025 final, Batlle could now find herself swapping Barcelona for the side that denied them European glory.

At international level, Batlle was part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 World Cup and reached the Euro 2025 final, where they were beaten by England on penalties.

With Katie McCabe set to depart this summer, Batlle would be a perfect replacement.

Why would Barcelona let Batlle go?

Ona Batlle of Spain is challenged by Lauren Hemp of England during the UEFA Women's Nations League — Ona Batlle has faced England in two finals (Image credit: Getty Images)

Barcelona have recently seen a series of departures and contract situations shaped by wider structural and financial pressures at the club.

Heading into the 2025/26 season, they had just 17 first-team players with that number at 20 now.

The club's financial constraints, linked to the wider organisation rather than the women's team, have impacted contracts on the women's side. As a result, several players have left in recent windows, often on free transferds.

Last summer saw Jana Fernandez and Lucia Corrales join the London City Lionesses, Fridolina Rolfo move to Manchester United, and Ingrid Engen departing for Lyon. In previous seasons, key figures such as Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh also left for Chelsea, while Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal.

While the club still have superstars Alexia Putella and Aitana Bonmati, Batlle's departure would be another huge loss.

Ayisha Gulati is the women's football writer at FourFourTwo. Fresh from a summer covering the Lionesses’ triumphant Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, she brings a passion for all things WSL, UWCL, and international women’s football. She has interviewed names including Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati and enjoys telling stories that capture the excitement on and off the pitch.

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