On Friday, Charlotte Harpur of the Athletic reported that Arsenal are interested in signing England and Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh. Arseblog News reported last summer that the club were interested in the player and made an approach to Barcelona, which was rebuffed.
Arsenal interested in signing #Lioness Keira Walsh from Barcelona.
Walsh has 1 yr left on her contract. The WSL club may be interested but whether a fee or contract can be agreed is another matter.@TheAthleticFC https://t.co/z7F0tFrpUp
— Charlotte Harpur (@charlotteharpur) June 14, 2024
On the back of Charlotte’s report, our understanding is that interest in the player, who has one year left on her Barcelona contract, is sustained. Whereas last summer Barcelona were understood to be very firm in their rejection, the sense is now that the line has softened but that it would likely take a big fee to make a move happen and there is no agreement currently per our understanding.
Whether this is enough to lead to an agreement further down the line remains to be seen. Victoria Pelova’s ACL injury might change things for Arsenal in terms of their urgency.
Barca signed Alexia Putellas to a new contract this summer and need to tie down current Ballon D’Or incumbent Aitana Bonmati who has one year left on her deal. Barca have already confirmed the departure of attacker Mariona Caldentey, who will join Arsenal after her Barca contract expires on June 30.
Great news.
Also a Typo “ in signing Arsenal and Barcelona ” .. Should be “England and Barcelona “ ?
Thanks! The perils of typing with my three year old on my case 😭
Walsh would definitely help solve the problem of Pelova’s absence next season. Would likely even be stronger than last year’s midfield.
A sensational signing, should it materialise.
This would be great. We’ve lost VP (in effect), and in my humble opinion, Kim is not going to be playing as many games next season. We would be improving the squad if we could get both Walsh and Caldentey for midfield while still leaving space for training up future talents Kuhl and KCC. I also am of the opinion that 4 midfielders isn’t enough if we qualify for the CL group stages. So everything crossed.
Just realised I totally forgot about Maanum! Sorry, Frida…
Why are the ages of women’s team players rarely mentioned? Is it purely decorum or a style choice?
Just a curiosity, considering it is such a prevalent thing with men’s players (and managers).
Can’t say that I have ever noticed this one way or the other?
Don’t rate her at all and have never understood the hype. To me a free transfer would be too expensive!
I never used to but have changed my mind more recently. Playing at Barca she has become a more physical player and she imposes herself on the game more. Wouldn’t break the bank for her, either, not because she isn’t a top player, but because I sometimes think we substitute big transfer fees/big names for actual scouting. If we butter Walsh up we can sign a pre-contract with her in Jan and then get her at the end of the season. I want her because we STILL have no backup for Lia Walti. KCC is not a 6, neither are… Read more »
I think she is a sound shout and would likely fit in very well.