Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ona Batlle spent three years at Barcelona
ByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporter- Published58 minutes ago
Arsenal have signed Spain international Ona Batlle on a free transfer following her exit from Barcelona.
It is understood that Batlle has joined on a four-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year.
The 27-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, left Barcelona after helping them win the Champions League in May.
During her three-year spell in Spain, Batlle made 114 appearances as Barcelona won three successive league titles and two European cups.
Batlle also started their Champions League final defeat by 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 graduated from Barcelona's academy before making her senior debut for Madrid CFF in 2017.
She gained regular first-team football at fellow Spanish top-flight side Levante before joining Manchester United in 2020.
The defender went on to make 77 appearances for United before returning to Barcelona as an established Spain international.
Batlle has played 76 times for Spain and was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2023 and finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She was named in 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 wear the number 22 shirt at Arsenal.
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Arsenal were disappointed not to have challenged properly for the Women's Super League title last season having won the Champions League in 2025.
They have gone through a transitional year as a result, with several big-name players coming towards the ends of their contracts at Arsenal and moving on.
Among the departures were the Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe and established England international Beth Mead.
But the club have made some shrewd signings and have got their business done early with England midfielder Georgia Stanway and Batlle both signing pre-contract agreements earlier this year.
While attention has been on another Spanish star - two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas joined London City Lionesses on Wednesday - Batlle's return to the WSL is an exciting prospect and a great move by Arsenal.
The full-back, still playing at her peak, showed her quality in abundance during a successful three-year spell at Manchester United and again at Barcelona.
Alongside the USA full-back Emily Fox, Arsenal now boast two of the world's best full-backs and have strengthened their squad in preparation for the new WSL season.
As well as the addition of Batlle, Arsenal have already confirmed the signings of Stanway, Selina Cerci and Geraldine Reuteler. More could still arrive.
Arsenal have revamped their approach to recruitment, targeting top players early following the appointment of ex-England striker Jodie Taylor as their first Women's technical director in January.
The club aim to plan ahead to the next three transfer windows and ensure a constant evolution of talent.
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