Arsenal announce signing of Barcelona & Spain star Mariona Caldentey on free transfer as Gunners bolster frontline following Vivianne Miedema’s shock departure
Arsenal have secured the signing of Spain’s World Cup-winning forward Mariona Caldentey on a free transfer, following her departure from Barcelona.
Caldentey joins Arsenal with an impressive resume, having decided to pursue a new challenge after a decade filled with trophies in Catalunya.
The 28-year-old accumulated 25 titles during her ten years at Barcelona, including three Champions League victories, and she became the club’s fifth all-time leading scorer with 114 goals in 302 appearances.
Her arrival is a significant boost for Arsenal’s attack, which recently lost Vivianne Miedema.
Miedema, the all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Super League, left on a free transfer at the end of her contract and is expected to join title rivals Manchester City.
Despite facing criticism for not renewing Miedema’s contract, Arsenal has secured a top-class replacement in Caldentey, who can play as a striker, on the wing, or in a deeper role.
Upon the announcement of her signing, Caldentey said, “I’m so happy to be here. 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.”
Head coach Jonas Eidevall also expressed his excitement, stating, “Mariona is a world-class forward and we are delighted to bring her to Arsenal. She’s a winner with proven experience of excelling on the biggest stage, which is exactly where we aim to be at this club. We believe Mariona will be a superb addition to our squad here at Arsenal, as we prepare for an exciting new season together.”
Caldentey has also excelled on the international stage, playing a key role in Spain’s Nations League victory in February and last summer’s World Cup triumph. She is expected to be vital to La Roja’s chances at the upcoming Olympic Games, which begin later this month.
Arsenal may not stop with Caldentey’s signing from Barcelona. The Gunners are also linked with a move for England midfielder Keira Walsh.
However, securing Walsh will be challenging since she still has a year left on her contract and Barcelona is reluctant to sell.
