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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arsenal sign Caldentey on free transfer</li><li>European and world champion with Barca and Spain</li><li>Bolsters Gunners' attack after Miedema exit</li></ul>

Arsenal announce signing of Barcelona & Spain star Mariona Caldentey on free transfer as Gunners bolster frontline following Vivianne Miedema's shock departure

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Caldentey arrives with plenty of pedigree after opting to take on a new challenge after 10 trophy-laden years in Catalunya. The 28-year-old won 25 titles during that decade, including three Champions League crowns, and became the club's fifth all-time top goal-scorer by netting 114 times in her 302 appearances.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Caldentey's signing is a big boost for an Arsenal frontline that lost Vivianne Miedema last month. The forward, who has scored more Women's Super League goals than any player in history, left on a free at the expiration of her contract <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/vivianne-miedema-arsenal-transfer-wsl-man-city/bltc0740b61157252e4" target="_blank">and looks set to set for title rivals Manchester City</a>. However, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-shock-vivianne-miedema-exit-lionesses-wsl-ellen-white/bltf0eeba35fdb3527f" target="_blank">despite criticism for the decision not to renew Miedema's deal</a>, the Gunners have at least recruited a top class replacement who can play as a striker, out wide or in a deeper role.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking upon the announcement of the deal, Caldentey said: "I’m so happy to be here. 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."

WHAT CALDENTEY SAID

As well as being a star at club level, Caldentey has also thrived on the international stage. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/spain-world-cup-aitana-bonmati-mariona-caldentey-nations-league-france/blt36923efb8cd81ee1" target="_blank">She was the star of the show as Spain won the Nations League in February</a>, having been a key player in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/spain-queens-world-football-winners-losers-aitana-bonmati-england-lioneeses-lucy-bronze-world-cup-final/blt04b557c79149dd42" target="_blank">last summer's World Cup triumph</a>, and will be crucial to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/olympic-paris-2024-womens-football-power-rankings/blt04a01ffdcb8324f7" target="_blank">La Roja's chances of a gold medal at the Olympic Games</a>, which begin later this month.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Spain forward might not be the only signing Arsenal secure from Barcelona this summer, either. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/keira-walsh-wsl-arsenal-lioness-england/bltb0cbf2c02a6b48fc" target="_blank">The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for Lionesses midfielder Keira Walsh</a>, though a deal will be tricky given the England star still has a year left on her contract and Barca do not wish to sell.

WHAT NEXT FOR CALDENTEY AND ARSENAL?

Arsenal announce signing of Barcelona & Spain star Mariona Caldentey on free transfer as Gunners bolster frontline following Vivianne Miedema's shock departure | Goal.com

Arsenal have announced the signing of Spain&apos;s World Cup-winning forward Mariona Caldentey on a free transfer, following her departure from Barcelona.

Arsenal announce signing of Barcelona &amp; Spain star Mariona Caldentey on free transfer as Gunners bolster frontline following Vivianne Miedema&apos;s shock departure