Top News

Barcelona defender Ona Batlle is reportedly on the verge of joining Arsenal on a free transfer, while Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon have attracted interest from London City Lionesses. The London-based club, newly promoted to the Women’s Super League, are keen to make a statement in the upcoming summer transfer market by targeting high-profile names.

Major setback for Barcelona as Batlle edges closer to Arsenal

As the 2025-26 season begins, Barcelona face uncertainty with eight of their key senior players entering the final year of their contracts. Speculation about Batlle’s future has been circulating since January, when reports emerged that Arsenal were negotiating to sign her without a transfer fee. The move would see Batlle return to England three years after leaving Manchester United to rejoin her childhood club, Barcelona.

Despite Barcelona’s strong efforts to extend her contract—considering her importance to the squad, reputation as one of the world’s top full-backs, and her age of just 26—ESPN now reports that the Spanish international is ‘close’ to sealing a move to Arsenal. The Gunners are said to have made ‘significant progress’ in finalising the deal, and Barcelona are already preparing to find a replacement during the summer window.

For Arsenal, this would mark another impressive signing, following their successful acquisition of Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona last summer. Caldentey played a pivotal role in helping the Gunners clinch the Champions League title last season, defeating Barcelona in the final. Batlle’s arrival could see her reunite with her former teammate in North London, strengthening the defence amid expectations that Katie McCabe may also leave Arsenal on a free transfer this summer.

Potential exits: Putellas and Leon on WSL radar

Batlle might not be the only major departure from Barcelona this summer. Mapi Leon, the team’s world-class centre-back, is also in the final months of her contract. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, London City Lionesses are keen to bring the 30-year-old defender to England. Although Barcelona have offered her a renewal, the English club’s offer is reportedly more lucrative, both in salary and contract duration, which is not surprising given the financial limitations currently faced by the three-time Women’s Champions League winners.

London City are also ambitiously eyeing a move for two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. The Spanish star has been the subject of major transfer interest before, most notably from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, who reportedly offered her a record-breaking deal. However, she chose loyalty to Barcelona, her boyhood club. While the English club reportedly feel optimistic about signing Leon, Mundo Deportivo suggests that their chances of landing Putellas are slimmer.

Putellas’ contract is nearing its end, and with London City Lionesses owned by billionaire Michele Kang—who also owns Lyon, the eight-time European champions, and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit—the club continues to monitor her situation closely. However, reports indicate that Putellas remains focused on ‘continuing to make history with Barcelona.’

Renewal success: Graham Hansen signs new contract

Amid all the speculation, Barcelona received some good news regarding contract renewals. Ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, Norwegian winger Caroline Graham Hansen has reportedly agreed to extend her contract until 2028. This follows the renewals of goalkeeper Cata Coll and forward Claudia Pina, both signed until 2029. Graham Hansen has been in exceptional form this season, contributing a combined total of 26 goals and assists across all competitions.

Quadruple pursuit and contract dilemmas define Barca’s season end

The closing weeks of the season are shaping up to be decisive for Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. The Catalan side could secure a seventh consecutive league title with a win over Espanyol on Wednesday, before facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final on Saturday. They will also compete in the Copa de la Reina final against Atletico Madrid, keeping their hopes of a historic quadruple alive.

Off the field, the focus remains on resolving the futures of players whose contracts are nearing expiration. While Graham Hansen’s extension brings relief, Batlle’s move to Arsenal seems imminent, and the fates of Leon and Putellas are still uncertain. The same applies to young forward Salma Paralluelo and experienced defender Marta Torrejon, who are also approaching the end of their current deals.