We are delighted to announce the signing of Mariona Caldentey on a permanent contract.
Mariona joins Arsenal after ten years at FC Barcelona, during which she has won 25 titles. She will wear the number 8 shirt at Arsenal.
Born in Mallorca on 19 March 1996, Mariona trained in the youth ranks of Collerense, making her debut there with the senior team in 2011.
The forward then moved to Barcelona in 2014, making her debut at the age of 18 and becoming an integral part of the first team under successive managers.
Mariona, now 28, leaves Barcelona having won six Liga F titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues, six Spanish Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and six Catalan Cups.
Mariona played 302 games 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 appearances for Spain and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2023/24 UEFA Nations League.
“I am very happy to be here,” Mariona said. “This is the right time for a new challenge for me and Arsenal is the perfect place. I think what Arsenal is 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 a strong mentality is being built here.
“It’s been amazing to see what the club has done off the pitch, with fans following the team everywhere and breaking many records. I can’t wait to get started and help the team win trophies and entertain our fans.”
Manager Jonas Eidevall added: “Mariona is a world-class striker and we are delighted to bring her to Arsenal. She is a proven winner on the biggest stage, which is exactly where we aspire to be at this club. We believe Mariona will be an excellent 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 are delighted to have signed Mariona, who brings a wealth of experience and success at the very top of the women’s game. It is testament to her ambition and character that she has chosen to take on a new challenge, coming to the Women’s Super League and adding to what we are building here at Arsenal.
“I’m sure our fans will be delighted to see her racing in Arsenal colours very soon.”
The agreement is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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