Exclusive Interview: Ona Batlle on Returning to the WSL, North London Ambitions, and the Fàbregas Factor

Sophie Hurst
Aug 12
5 min read

A World Cup, multi-time UWCL and a three-time domestic treble winner. Sitting inside the media room at London Colney ahead of the new campaign, Ona Batlle’s trophy cabinet precedes her. Having departed Manchester United three years ago to return to her childhood club Barcelona - where she conquered virtually everything in sight - Batlle returns to English football as one of the most complete full-backs in the game.

Sitting down ahead of the season in a room packed with journalists, Battle initially appears slightly cautious, naturally adjusting to being back in the English spotlight. The Spanish full-back may have departed the league back in 2023 as a young player with a point to prove, but she returned as a champion, with ambition riding on her shoulders.

Returning to the WSL: Why Arsenal, Why Now?

Her arrival at Arsenal comes amidst a summer of high-profile departures from Barcelona, prompting immediate questions about her timing. Having essentially completed club football in Catalonia, Batlle simply craved a fresh challenge. Stepping away wasn't just about her own ambition; it was about testing herself in a league that demands maximum output every single weekend, while making space for the next wave of talent back home.

"I think Arsenal plays the way I like to play," Batlle explains. "I was very excited as well to be back in the WSL. I think it’s the most competitive league, and it was a new challenge for me that I was really looking forward to."

Photo Credit: via ona.batlle

When asked about the broader movement - or much more a mass exodus - of talent out of Spain, Batlle keeps the focus firmly on her own sporting drive.

"Every person has their own reasons," she notes. "As I said, for me, it was a new challenge that I wanted to take coming back to the WSL, and especially to Arsenal - the team that fits best with the way I want to play. I cannot talk about everybody else's reasons, but this was the right step for me."

Her decision is heavily reinforced by where she believes the standard of competition currently peaks. While she enjoyed dominant success in Spain, the WSL offers an entirely different, relentless level of depth across the board.

"I do believe the English league at the moment is the most competitive one," she adds. "Loads of big players are in this league, and all the teams have stepped up. Clubs are investing and trying to build good squads to compete. I am very excited to try and win the WSL - something I haven't done yet. Hopefully, we will be right there competing for it."

The Fàbregas Factor

While Batlle is now part of the modern elite driving the growth of the women's game, her early introduction to Arsenal came through a very relatable family route. Growing up in Catalonia, watching women's football on television simply wasn't an option.

"To be fair, I wasn't watching women's football back then," she reflects candidly. "I wish I could have. I wish I could have had the facilities that all these kids have now to be able to enjoy the football we play today."

Instead, her initial connection to north London arrived via her family living room.

"I did watch Arsenal's men's team, especially because my brother was a big, big fan of Cesc Fàbregas," she smiles. "We watched Arsenal all the time because he was a massive fan when Cesc was here. So we always followed the club."

Tactical Versatility: Finding Her Role on the Pitch

On the pitch, Batlle returns to England as a refined and lethal full-back; as solid in standard defensive duties as she is pushing into the final third. During her return to Liga F, her attacking output was unmatched among defenders, topping the charts with 16 assists over her 3 year stint.

Where she fits into Renée Slegers’ system remains the question on everyone’s minds. Arsenal’s right-back spot is heavily occupied with Emily Fox holding down the starting role and young Swede Smilla Holmberg offering depth. However, following Katie McCabe’s departure to Chelsea, an opening has emerged on the left. Taylor Hinds operated as a strong alternate last season, but Batlle's versatility makes her a number one candidate to claim that starting role. And whilst there is a lot of noise on Batlle operating on her non-dominant left side, it’s far from new territory, as she routinely inverted or started at left-back at Barcelona during crossover seasons alongside Lucy Bronze.

"I haven't spoken with Renée about that in detail yet," Batlle admits with a laugh. " I'm happy to play both sides. I always say I enjoy playing on the left just as much as the right. If I have to play on the left, I'll play on the left. If it's on the right, I'll play on the right."

Reconnecting with Old Friends & The Spanish Surge

Batlle is arriving as a part of a massive Spanish contingent emerging in the WSL, joining an Arsenal dressing room that already hosts Mariona Caldentey and newly signed goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez, alongside international teammates like Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, and Jana Fernández across the league.

"Playing with Mariona again is so exciting," Batlle says. "When I played with her at Barca, we had such a good connection. She's a really good player who makes it easy for everyone around her. She settled down so well in the league last season, and hopefully I can have that same kind of success."

She is equally eager to link back up with Arsenal striker Alessia Russo, whom she shared a dressing room with during their time together at Manchester United.

"Alessia has improved a lot," Batlle notes. "She was already one of the best nines in the world, but playing in big competitions and performing for her country has taken her to another level. I'm really excited to link up with her again and try to help her score even more goals."

Settling Into London

Off the pitch, the process of adjusting to life in north London is well underway. While knowing the language fluently makes settling in a lot easier, relocating down south brings its own set of newcomer hurdles.

"It's easier because I know the language, but it's still a new life; a new town, new team, new people," she says. "I don't even have my permanent place to live properly set up yet, so it takes a little time to settle down. But I've always liked London, and now I actually get to live here and see what it's like day to day."

When asked what it will take for Arsenal to finally get over the line and lift the WSL trophy, Batlle’s mindset is rooted in pure consistency.

"To win this league, you have to be consistent," she states with authority. "Every weekend, you have to perform. And on the days when you don't play well, you still have to find a way to get the win regardless. With Champions League matches in the middle of the schedule, having a big, quality squad is what allows you to compete in every competition."

Ready for the Emirates Crowd

Whether she’s sorting out her new living situation, adjusting to north London life, or preparing to lock down either side of the pitch, Ona Batlle is approaching her WSL return with total focus. The trophy cabinet may already be full, but the drive to win in England remains untouched.

For Batlle, the biggest excitement lies in stepping out under the lights in front of a packed home crowd.

"That's one of the moments I'm looking forward to the most," Batlle admits with a wide smile. "I played at the Emirates before as an opposition player, and the way this club connects with its fans is one of its greatest beauties. Feeling the crowd behind us in a full stadium - hopefully sold out for plenty of games - is something really special. I can't wait to get started."