Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of Spanish international attacker Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona, a story first broken by Arseblog News on May 13th.
The 28-year-old’s contract expired at Barcelona on June 30 and Arsenal agreed a transfer with the player in principal in May before the parties met again following the June international break to confirm the transfer. She is the first confirmed signing of the summer with Aston Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar expected to follow.
Mariona has won six Liga F titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues, six Spanish Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and six Catalan Cups at club level and the World Cup with Spain. She can play on the left wing, as a false 9 or behind the striker.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Mariona. “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 added: “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.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: “We’re so happy to have signed Mariona, who brings with her a wealth of experience and success at the top of women’s football. It’s testament to her ambition and character that she has chosen to undertake a new challenge and come to the Women’s Super League and join what we’re building here at Arsenal. I’m sure our supporters will be excited to see her run out in Arsenal colours very soon.”
Mariona will wear the number 8 shirt.
Welcome to the Arsenal! Great signing, so looking forward to seeing her play.
Welcome Mariona. A serial 🏆 winner to inspire the squad.
That is a.top signing. Hoping it works out well!
If the Domselaar and Walsh links can materialize into reality, it would make me really excited for the new season. Hopefully, a WORLD class CB is being considered too COYG
With Williamson, Codina & Wubben-Moy, I don’t see CB as a problem position. On the contrary, to my mind this trio run the full spectrum of desirable traits, from long range passer to semi-midfielder to old fashioned rock-at-the-back. I don’t see many available upgrades available on them!
Agree
No matter how good a striker she is Jonas will soon have taught her to pass every ball backwards and only let Frida shoot!
Mariona chose to join knowing Eidevall was in charge. I’m definitely not his biggest fan as of last season but the fact that she joined actually gives him more credibility I think.
Tbf, she’s had to play under Jorge Vilda, so Jonas is a massive step up.
It was a slightly tongue in cheek comment but perhaps too subtle for some given the down votes. I’m not his biggest fan either but he is what we have for this season at least but with Chelsea having a new helm, Utd in apparent meltdown, and we know we can beat City if we want to there can be no excuse this season. We simply have to stop throwing points away to West Ham, Liverpool and the Spuds that is what is costing us!
I was wondering which piece of transfer would come first Caldentey or Miedema, seems Arsenal want to get in first to soften the noise/backlash.
I like the cheeky reveal video they did
Nah it’s more that Mariona has been done for a long time and they just had to wait till July to announce. City haven’t got Miedema over the line yet (but they will).
We like to imagine our conspiracies….we need you to keep us grounded 😄
Very excited but l’d like to have seen Viv run out for us again….
Tim, I very disappointed that there is no punning or witty title to article! Surely there is some room for something about caviar (marión being sturgeon). I await a batch of Mariona article titles once she’s playing. 😁
Welcome Mariona to Arsenal, good Lucky in Thais New phase of your life.
Is she likely to have one starting position ?
Mariona- welcome to the Arsenal! Looking forward to having a fresh Spanish catalyst to faster and more forward looking play.