The 28-year-old World Cup winner arrives at the Emirates Stadium with a glittering resume, having conquered the European and domestic scene with Barcelona. Can Mariona Caldentey‘s creative genius and winning mentality elevate Arsenal to new heights?
The Spanish playmaker joins after spending 10 years with FC Barcelona where she won six Liga F titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues, six Spanish Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and six Catalan Cups.
Mariona made 302 appearances for Barcelona in total, scoring 114 goals – making her the Catalan side’s fifth all-time top scorer.
At international level, Mariona has scored 26 goals in 72 matches for Spain and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2023/24 UEFA Nations League.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Mariona said in the official press release. “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.”
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Arsenal get a creative player who, at 28, should reach her peak years playing for the club.
She is expected to play in the number 10 role behind the main striker, bringing her technical ability, as well as off-the-ball movement to unlock defences.
Her link up play should help Arsenal to solve the “beat the low block” problem that was so irritating during the 2023/24 season.
Mariona Caldentey will wear the number eight shirt that was previously worn by Jordan Nobbs.
