Arsenal have “reached an agreement” to buy Laia Codina from Barcelona, according to BBC journalist Emma Sanders.

The Spanish international is set to travel to London following the conclusion of the World Cup on Sunday.

Codina has been a prominent figure for Spain in the knockout stages of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

After not featuring in the group stages, the 23-year-old started in place of Ivana Andres against Switzerland in the last 16, and scored the fourth for Spain in the 5-1 win, having also scored an own goal in the first half.

Codina kept her place for the quarter-final and semi-final ties versus the Netherlands and Sweden, while she is expected to start the final against England this weekend.

Jonas Eidevall was keen to add another centre-back to the squad

Even though the Gunners have already recruited Amanda Ilestedt from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, manager Jonas Eidevall had set his sights on recruiting an additional centre-half.

Rafaelle has left to join Orlando Pride, while Leah Williamson is sidelined with a serious injury, so adding Codina to the squad will provide additional cover.

Codina will be Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer

The London club are building a formidable team ahead of the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season, In addition to Ilestedt, England World Cup star Alessia Russo has joined on a free transfer from Manchester United.

When Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are both back to full fitness, Arsenal’s front line will arguably be the best in the league, especially as Cloe Lacasse has also been brought in from Benfica.

Having finished 11 points behind champions Chelsea last campaign, the Gunners will be hoping that new additions, such as Codina, will help them bridge the gap. A first title since 2019 could be on the cards if all the elements fall into place.