Arsenal have strengthened their goalkeeping department by signing Spain international Misa Rodriguez on a free transfer from Real Madrid. The 27-year-old becomes the club's sixth summer signing as they continue to rebuild their squad ahead of the new season.
Rodriguez spent the last six years at Real Madrid, where she established herself as one of Europe's top goalkeepers. The Spanish shot-stopper has twice won the Zamora Trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper with the best goals-per-game ratio in La Liga. She was also named Real Madrid captain in 2025, underlining her importance to the club.
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in July 1999, Rodriguez developed through youth football before joining Atletico Madrid in 2017. She moved to Deportivo La Coruña ahead of the 2019-20 season, where she helped the club secure fourth place in their first top-flight campaign and became recognized as one of Spain's most promising young goalkeepers.
Arsenal's summer recruitment has been notably active. Rodriguez joins Georgia Stanway, who arrived from Bayern Munich, along with Selina Cerci from Hoffenheim, Ona Batlle from Barcelona, and Geraldine Reuteler from Eintracht Frankfurt. These signings demonstrate the club's determination to challenge for the league title after finishing second last season, four points behind champions Manchester City.
Speaking about her move, Rodriguez expressed her enthusiasm for joining the north London club. "I'm so proud to join this great club," she said. "Arsenal is one of the top clubs in the world and I'm really excited to be part of the team and take on this new challenge. I want to help us compete for trophies and make more history, together with our supporters."
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers welcomed the addition to her goalkeeping unit. "Misa is a top goalkeeper who has performed consistently at a high level for several years," Slegers said. "As well as her technical attributes, she has great presence and communication on the pitch and we believe she'll be a strong addition to our goalkeeping unit, alongside Daphne van Domselaar, Anneke Borbe and Isabella Damm."
The free transfer represents efficient business for Arsenal, allowing them to add quality without spending transfer fees. Rodriguez will compete with the existing goalkeepers in the squad as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign. Her international experience and proven track record at Real Madrid suggest she can make an immediate impact in the Women's Super League as Arsenal pursues silverware across multiple competitions.