Barcelona and Spain centre-back Laia Codina has completed her move to Arsenal Women.

The 23 year-old centre back joined the Catalan giants at the age of 14, progressing through the academy to the first team squad.

Codina made 32 appearances for Barcelona, scoring two goals from defence. She won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, one Spanish Cup and one Spanish Super Cup.

The defender enjoyed a loan spell in Italy in the 2021/22 season on loan in Italy, playing 14 times for AC Milan in Serie A and the Champions League.

At international level, Codina has made seven appearances for Spain’s senior team and was part of the squad that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer.

Codina did not feature in the group stage but started all four of Spain’s knock-out matches. She scored at both ends in the Round of 16 win over Switzerland, with a long range own-goal in raising a few eyebrows. Fortunately for Codina and Spain, Jorge Vilda's side were able to thrash Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz's Switerland 5-1 on their way to World Cup glory.

Arsenal Women's summer signings include a World Cup winning defender, World Cup finalist who netted three goals at the tournament, and World Cup bronze medalist who scored four from defence to win the Bronze Ball award ?

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) August 29, 2023

“I’m really excited – I can’t wait to start with the team and to be a Gunner,” said Codina. “I knew all about the history of this club so when I found out Arsenal were interested, I didn’t think twice. We want to compete in all four competitions this season and I’m looking forward to making some memories with our supporters here.”

Codina will wear the number 27 shirt for Arsenal, who kick off their season next Wednesday in Sweden in a UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying mini-tournament.

? A World Cup winner has arrived... Welcome to north London, @laiacodina5 ?? pic.twitter.com/m548Vh75IG

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) August 29, 2023

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall told arsenal.com: “Laia is a world-class defender and I’m delighted to be working with her here at Arsenal. She has a great mix of technical ability and physical presence and we believe this will allow her to adapt to our style here quickly".

"She has considerable experience of playing at the highest level and winning trophies, so I’m confident that she will be an excellent addition to our squad moving forward.”

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We are very pleased to have confirmed the signing of Laia on a permanent transfer. We believe Laia is a top player with plenty of potential to continue to develop and progress here with us at Arsenal. Her experience of competing on the biggest stages – as we saw at the World Cup this summer – will be invaluable as we look to achieve our objectives this season.”