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Laia Codina joins Arsenal

Arsenal are delighted to confirm that Laia Codina has joined the club on a permanent transfer.

Laia joins from Barcelona, who she joined at the age of 14 before progressing through the youth academy to the first-team squad. The 23-year-old centre back will wear the No.27 shirt at Arsenal.

Laia departs Barcelona having made 32 appearances for the Catalan side, scoring two goals along the way. She won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, one Spanish Cup and one Spanish Super Cup during her time at Barcelona. She spent the 2021-22 season on loan in Italy at AC Milan, where she made 14 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League.

At international level, Laia has made seven appearances for the Spanish senior team and was part of the squad that won the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer. Laia made four appearances at the competition, starting all four of Spain’s knockout matches and scoring in the Round of 16 win over Switzerland.

“I’m really excited – I can’t wait to start with the team and to be a Gunner,” Laia told www.arsenal.com. “I knew all about the history of this club so when I found out Arsenal were interested, I didn’t think twice. We want to compete in all four competitions this season and I’m looking forward to making some memories with our supporters here.”

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall said: “Laia is a world-class defender and I’m delighted to be working with her here at Arsenal. She has a great mix of technical ability and physical presence and we believe this will allow her to adapt to our style here quickly. She has considerable experience of playing at the highest level and winning trophies, so I’m confident that she will be an excellent addition to our squad moving forward.”

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: “We are very pleased to have confirmed the signing of Laia on a permanent transfer. We believe Laia is a top player with plenty of potential to continue to develop and progress here with us at Arsenal. Her experience of competing on the biggest stages – as we saw at the World Cup this summer – will be invaluable as we look to achieve our objectives this season.”