Arsenal failed in a world record attempt to sign English Lionesses star Keira Walsh from Barcelona on the last day of the deadline day.
According to reports in Spain, the offer was €1.1 million, which is equivalent to around £930,000 and would have broken the transfer record in women’s football.
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Walsh moved from Man City to Barcelona in 2022 for a then world record fee of £400,000.
This transfer record stood for two years until Real Madrid broke it in February by signing Zambian Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC for £685,000.
The English midfielder has won two consecutive league and European titles with the top Catalan club and was also able to win the 2022 Women’s European Championship with the Lionesses.
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She also won eight major trophies with City, including the Women’s Super League title in 2016.
Walsh has just one year left on her contract with Barcelona and she is said to be keen to return to the Women’s Super League.
Arsenal were keen to make this happen and were prepared to spend big to complete the transfer before the WSL transfer deadline at 11pm on Friday.
However, the Spanish news portal “La Transmissió de la Gelma” reports that Barcelona was not ready to agree to the deal so close to the end of the transfer period – the last day of the transfer is Monday – so Walsh is staying for the time being.
It is widely claimed that Walsh has informed Barcelona that she does not wish to renew her contract with the club, making it likely that she will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu insisted on Thursday that Walsh was not going anywhere and the club stuck to their decision despite a high offer from the Gunners.
“There is no reason for Keira to leave,” the manager said.
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“She was with us throughout the preseason and is a key player for us.
“She understands our style of play perfectly, is super professional and has shown a great attitude and commitment from day one. That’s why we are definitely counting on her this season.”
Arsenal’s rival Tottenham, however, were close to meeting the deadline to sign a midfielder.
They have signed Spanish star Maite Oroz from Real Madrid.
The transfer is considered a major coup, as the player with 15 international caps and the second most appearances for the club in recent weeks has been made co-captain.
Barcelona opened the season on Friday with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad – with Walsh in the starting line-up.