Arsenal sign Spain defender Batlle on free transfer

Arsenal sign Spain defender Batlle on free transferImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ona Batlle spent three years at Barcelona ByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporterPublished1 minute agoCommentsArsenal 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&...