BARCELONA rejected a world-record bid from Arsenal to sign Keira Walsh a day before the WSL summer transfer deadline on Friday.
Reports claim the Gunners tabled a megabucks offer for the England star on September 12 – believed to be around £930,000 according to BBC Sport.
However Spanish paper Sport claims the Catalan giants rebuffed the bid from the North London side, with Chelsea also rumoured to be keen on the player.
This is despite Walsh, 27, who has helped her team win seven trophies including two Champions League titles, entering the final year of her current contract.
Earlier this summer it was reported the Lioness, who in September 2022 sealed a then world record-breaking £400,000 Barcelona transfer, was attracting interest from Arsenal.
The midfielder, who joined the team from Manchester City after helping England win the Women’s Euros, has emerged as an influential figure for the Catalan outfit.
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She has shone in midfield alongside Spain stars Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati with the trio helping their side win four major trophies last term.
The club see the Rochdale-born midfielder, who started in Barcelona’s first two league matches this season, as a key player within their squad
Yesterday boss Pere Romeu confirmed the club had no intention of parting ways with the player who helped her side win a ninth top-flight title last season
He told reporters: “There’s no case for Keira leaving.
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“She’s been with us throughout pre-season and is a key player for us.
“She totally gets our style of play, is super professional, and has shown an amazing attitude and commitment from day one.
“We’re definitely counting on her this season,”
It is claimed Walsh does not intend to renew her contract which is set to expire in June next year.
Since her move to Barcelona, who this April signed a two-year partnership with Spanish airline Vueling, the England midfielder has played in 49 games in Spain’s top-flight.
On the domestic front Walsh has lifted two Liga F trophies, two Spanish Women’s Super Cups, and a Copa de la Reina.
And she appeared in their five pre-season matches including their 2-0 Joan Gamper Trophy win against AC Milan last month.
Had Arsenal succeeded in their efforts to sign Walsh, the move would have made her the second player to join the club from Barcelona this summer.
In July World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey sealed a permanent switch the Gunners following a 10-year spell with the Catalan side.
This summer’s transfer window has also seen the club bid farewell to Spain international María Pérez.
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Earlier today the defensive midfielder, 22, was announced as the newest signing of London City Lionesses whose squad includes Sweden stars Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson.
The Women’s Championship side, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang, are chasing WSL promotion this term.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
