Arseblog News understands that Arsenal Women are pursuing a deal for Laia Codina from Barcelona and a deal could be struck after the World Cup. The 23-year-old centre-half is currently part of the Spain squad gearing up for their World Cup semi-final against Sweden on Tuesday.
Little bit of Arsenal Women transfer news. Understand 23-year old Barcelona and #ESP centre half Laia Codina is a serious target. Arsenal want another centre half in this window to add to Amanda Ilestedt with Williamson injured and Rafaelle’s departure to Orlando Pride #AWFC
— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator) August 13, 2023
Codina earned the rare distinction of scoring at both ends in a World Cup knockout game in Spain’s 5-1 win over Switzerland in the Round of 16. Codina is a right-footed centre-half but has frequently played on the left of a centre-half partnership. Our exclusive story has since been corroborated by prominent Barca Femeni journalist Maria Tikas.
Como cuenta @Stillmanator, el Arsenal está interesado en Laia Codina.
La central contemplaba salir este verano a un equipo que le diese más protagonismo y quería esperar hasta después del Mundial para decidir.
Sus buenas actuaciones con la selección han hecho subir su caché. pic.twitter.com/9BCPDVOr8U
— Maria Tikas (@MariaTikas) August 13, 2023
It bolsters Arsenal’s central defensive options with Leah Williamson set to miss the majority of next season with an ACL injury and with the recent departure of Rafaelle to Orlando Pride.
Codina spent the 2021-22 season on loan at AC Milan and was a member of Spain’s Euro U-18 winning squad in 2018. We also understand that Arsenal are still hopeful of bringing in a right-back during the summer with Laura Wienroither expected to miss most of next season with an ACL injury. The Gunners have so far signed Alessia Russo from Manchester United, Cloe Lacasse from Benfica and Amanda Ilestedt from PSG.
Would this be a permanent move or loan deal?
Believe it would be permanent
Exciting. She’s a bit short for a CB for my taste, but she’s a good age and has shown the character to make amends in the best way after conceding a silly own goal. Plus she has played in midfield as a youngster, much like Leah. So perhaps she could deputise there as well. Everything crossed that this one comes off. I suppose we’ll know in a week’s time!
I feel terrible, I’d totally forgotten that Laura had an ACL injury. Hope her recovery is going well.
I am confident that Codina deal is going to happen. Think it’s just a case of signing the contract once the WC is over.
Mundo Deportivo running it now too and they have the Barca side on lockdown Laia Codina opts for Arsenal (mundodeportivo.com)
Woohoo! Cheers, Tim.
I’d like us to look at Colombia and Real Sociedad’s Manuela Vanegas. She’s left-footed and while she plays as a left back for her national team, she has been mainly deployed as a centre back at her club. She has pretty good stats in Liga F last season and looked very solid in the Germany game. The only downside is she signed a new 2-year contract back in May.
Quite a few of the Colombians looked impressive at the weekend I was surprised; Guzman, the early sub in particular, especially given her age.
She was a handful, wasn’t she?
This is a good move.
Let’s make it happen so soon, next week probably. Can’t wait to see Arsenal Women dominating like before.
We also need a combative DM, How about the rumors linking Arsenal Women to Cooney-Cross, still legit?
Alas, I think she will go to Chelsea.
Chelsea is having quite the summer of signings.
Hope we can keep up.
Since we are stacking up good CBs, would like to see Leah given more freedom and moved to midfield.
We are stacking up CB’s because Leah has the best part of a season in recouperation from her ACL injury or did you not spot that?
I doubt we’ll see Leah this side of Christmas. These things can’t be rushed, so it might be later than that.
I haven’t seen enough to get a good idea of her capabilities. Today, however, I did take in that she’s right-footed. I’d prefer a left-footer which is why I’m more taken with Ashleigh Plumptre. Has anyone else signed her up yet?