Barcelona centre-back Laia Codina is “a serious target” for Arsenal, according to journalist Tim Stillman.

The women’s correspondent for Arseblog claims that the Spanish international is being considered by the Gunners as they look to strengthen their options in defence:

Little bit of Arsenal Women transfer news. Understand 23-year old Barcelona and #ESP centre half Laia Codina is a serious target. Arsenal want another centre half in this window to add to Amanda Ilestedt with Williamson injured and Rafaelle’s departure to Orlando Pride #AWFC

— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator) August 13, 2023

As Stillman mentioned, Jonas Eidevall’s side have already brought in Amanda Ilestedt from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but the injury to Leah Williamson means that the first-team squad is still rather light at the back.

The England captain sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester United back in April and she is not expected to be back available before the start of next season in October.

Codina would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad

The defender already has a number of winners’ medals despite still only being 23 years of age. Since making her debut for Barca in 2019, she has helped the Catalan club win 3 Liga F titles, in addition to the Spanish Cup, Super Cup and two Champions Leagues.

Codina hasn’t always been a regular starter during that time, having also been loaned out to AC Milan in 2021, but her pedigree is not in question.

World Cup performances

After not starting a game in the group stages, Codina was thrown in at the deep end when she was selected to start against Switzerland in the round of 16. She didn’t disappoint after scoring in the 5-1 rout.

The centre-half kept her place in the eleven for the 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Codina is likely to be in action once again when Spain face Sweden tomorrow.