Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spain international Ona Batlle on a permanent transfer from Barcelona, adding one of the world's leading full-backs to Renee Slegers' squad.
The 27-year-old arrives after an outstanding spell with the Catalan giants, where she made 114 appearances and helped the club win three Liga F titles, three Copa de la Reina trophies, three Spanish Super Cups and two UEFA Women's Champions League titles.
Batlle is no stranger to English football, having previously spent three seasons at Manchester United before returning to Barcelona in 2023. She has also established herself as a key figure for Spain, earning 76 senior caps and playing every game during their 2023 Women's World Cup triumph.
Speaking after completing her move, Batlle said she believes Arsenal is the perfect club for the next stage of her career.
"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."
Ona Batlle Excited To Play At Emirates Stadium
One of the biggest attractions for Batlle was the atmosphere Arsenal have built at Emirates Stadium, with regular crowds of more than 30,000 becoming a defining feature of the club's recent success.
"It's quite impressive how it's always quite a full stadium," she said.
"The attendance was always over 30,000 people. That's something I've never seen before. It's very, very impressive. I just can't wait to get that experience, to feel it, to do it for the first time."
Why Batlle Returned To The Women's Super League
Batlle also explained why she wanted to return to England after three successful years back in Spain.
"I think it's where my game suits the best. I think how they want to play is how I want to play.
"I wanted to be back in England. I think it's the best league and very competitive. So I think it was perfect for me."
Read More: Arsenal Women Complete Signing Of Switzerland Star Geraldine Reuteler
Read More: Arsenal Strengthen Attack With Germany Striker Selina Cerci
Batlle Excited To Reunite With Alessia Russo
The defender will also link up again with former Manchester United teammate Alessia Russo, who she believes has developed into one of the world's best forwards.
"She's one of the best nines at the minute," Batlle said.
"I think she's grown so much and I'm very, very excited to be back with her."
Arsenal Add Another Proven Winner
Batlle arrives in north London with an impressive list of honours and individual accolades, including back-to-back selections in The Best FIFA Women's 11 and the FIFPRO Women's World 11.
Her winning mentality is one of the reasons Arsenal moved quickly to secure her signature, and Batlle has made her ambitions clear.
"I'm very competitive," she said.
"I hope we win as many trophies as possible. That's why I came here."