Football News: Arsenal Sign World Cup Winner Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona
In a major transfer coup, Arsenal have secured the signing of Spanish forward Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona on a free transfer. The 28-year-old World Cup winner is making the move to London after a stellar 10-year spell at the Catalan club, where she won an impressive 25 trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles.
Arsenal view Caldentey as one of the best players in the world and their recruitment team identified her as a key target due to her ruthless winning mentality and the opportunity to sign her in the prime of her career. The talented forward has been given the prestigious No. 8 shirt.
The increased frequency of matches being played at the Emirates Stadium by Jonas Eidevall’s side is understood to have been a significant factor in Caldentey’s decision to join the Gunners. The Spain international is eager to embrace a new challenge and help Arsenal win trophies and entertain their passionate supporters.
“This is the right time for a new challenge for me and Arsenal is the perfect place,” Caldentey 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.”
Caldentey, who scored 114 goals in 302 appearances for Barcelona and has netted 26 times in 72 senior games for Spain, will be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s attacking lineup as they aim to challenge for the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the FA Women’s Super League title in the upcoming season.
Arsenal Manager’s Remarks
“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.
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