Mariona Caldentey: Arsenal confirm signing of World Cup winner from Barcelona

Arsenal have completed the signing of World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey.

The winger has joined the Gunners as a free agent after her contract with Barcelona expired last month.

Caldentey spent 10 years at Barcelona, scoring 114 goals in 302 appearances, and she also helped Spain win the World Cup last year.

The signing of the 28-year-old is a coup for Arsenal, who are also interested in Caldentey’s former team-mate at Barcelona, Lionesses midfielder Keira Walsh.

“I’m so happy to be here,” said Caldentey. “This is the right time for a new challenge for me and Arsenal is the perfect place.

“I think what Arsenal are doing as a club is amazing – on and off the pitch. I love the way we want to play as a team and I think there’s a strong mentality building here.

“It’s been incredible to see what the club has done away from the pitch, with supporters following the team everywhere and lots of records being broken. I can’t wait to get started and help the team win trophies and entertain our supporters.”

Arsenal have backed their women’s team heavily in recent years and from next season Emirates Stadium will be their main home.

The club are determined to bolster their squad this summer and hold a long-term interest in Walsh.

The midfielder, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022 for a then world-record fee of £400,000, has one year left on her current contract and could be tempted to return to England.