Arsenal Women sign World Cup winner Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona
Mariona Caldentey won the World Cup with Spain in Sydney last year. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA
Arsenal have signed the World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old is making the move to London after a 10-year spell at Barcelona during which she won 25 trophies, including three Champions Leagues, the third of which came in May when she helped the club defeat Lyon.
Arsenal view Caldentey as one of the best players in the world and their recruitment team identified her as a key target because of her ruthless winning mentality and the opportunity to sign her in the prime of her career. She has been given the No 8 shirt.
Simultaneously, the increased frequency of matches being played at the Emirates Stadium by Jonas Eidevall’s side is understood to have been a significant contributing factor towards Caldentey’s decision to choose Arsenal.
“This is the right time for a new challenge for me and Arsenal is the perfect place,” she said. “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.”
Caldentey scored 114 times in 302 appearances for Barcelona and has netted 26 times in 72 senior games for Spain. She started last August’s World Cup final against England in Sydney.
“Mariona is a world-class forward and we are delighted to bring her to Arsenal,” Eidevall said. “She’s a winner with proven experience of excelling on the biggest stage, which is exactly where we aim to be at this club.”
Arsenal finished third in the WSL last term and will find out their opponents in the first round of Champions League qualifying when the draw is made on Friday.