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Barcelona legend Alexia Putellas is expected to decide on her next club this week after bringing an end to her long association with the Catalan giants at the close of last season. While London City Lionesses are still viewed as favourites to sign the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, growing interest from the NWSL has seen two American clubs intensify their pursuit, according to fresh reports.

Putellas' future remains unresolved following her Barcelona departure

The Spain international concluded a remarkable 14-year spell with Barcelona, her boyhood club, last month. She bowed out after playing a central role in yet another historic quadruple for the Blaugrana. Over the course of the campaign, Putellas netted 19 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions, helping her team claim the Liga F title, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her performances also earned her the Player of the Season award in the Champions League—further strengthening her case for another Ballon d'Or, which will be presented in September.

Whichever club wins the race for the 32-year-old will be securing the services of one of the most accomplished footballers in the world, still performing at an elite level. The identity of her next team is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

NWSL clubs step up efforts to sign Putellas

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Putellas ‘must resolve her situation this week,’ with clubs in the NWSL eager to finalise an agreement swiftly. The American top-flight is currently on a month-long break and will resume on July 16, creating a tight window for clubs to make roster moves. A second pre-season phase begins in early July—potentially as soon as next week—prompting teams hoping to land Putellas to push for a decision quickly.

The report identifies Boston Legacy and Gotham FC as the two U.S. clubs best positioned to sign the Spanish midfielder. Gotham, who have also been linked with Sam Kerr recently, are the reigning NWSL champions and currently sit fifth in the standings with just over a third of the season completed, comfortably within play-off contention. Boston, on the other hand, are enduring a more challenging debut campaign in the league. Featuring 22-year-old Barcelona academy graduate Alba Cano, Boston sit third from bottom with nine points from their opening 12 matches.

Both clubs are pressing for a final answer from Putellas as the NWSL’s restart approaches.

‘Arsenal or Chelsea’ reportedly interested in Putellas

According to Mundo Deportivo, another London-based club—either Arsenal or Chelsea—has also expressed interest. Though the report does not specify which of the two it is, it describes the proposal as ‘lucrative.’

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are seeking to strengthen their midfields this summer. Arsenal have been linked with several potential recruits, including England international Georgia Stanway and Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Geraldine Reuteler. Chelsea’s transfer activity has been quieter, as the club continues to negotiate contract renewals for several players whose deals expire this summer.

Nonetheless, multiple reports suggest that Putellas may not wish to join a team that could directly compete with Barcelona. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have faced the Catalan side in recent seasons and could meet again in the upcoming Champions League campaign.

London City Lionesses remain frontrunners

London City Lionesses—who recently signed England goalkeeper Mary Earps and have been linked with former Barcelona defender Mapi León—are still considered the leading contenders for Putellas’ signature. The club is owned by billionaire Michele Kang, who also controls European powerhouse Lyon and NWSL side Washington Spirit. Their long-standing interest in the midfielder has been widely documented, and The Guardian recently reported that Putellas has already agreed personal terms with the London outfit.

Promoted to the Women’s Super League only last year, London City finished sixth in their debut top-flight season, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. This means they are unlikely to face Barcelona next season. However, should they eventually qualify for Europe, participation in the Champions League may prove complicated due to Lyon’s existing involvement in the competition.

Mundo Deportivo further notes that a move to the United States would see Putellas live farther from her family, a factor that could sway her towards staying in Europe and joining an English side instead. Regardless of the outcome, the 32-year-old is expected to make her final decision ‘within a matter of days.’