Arsenal Women midfielder Laila Harbert has emerged as a transfer target for San Diego Wave FC following her recent loan spell with Everton Women. According to reports from journalist Kathryn Batte, multiple clubs in both the Women’s Super League and the NWSL have shown interest in the young Arsenal midfielder. However, San Diego Wave now appear to be leading the race for Harbert’s signature.
A move to San Diego would also reunite Harbert with former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, who recently took charge of the NWSL side.
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to sanction the transfer, although the club are believed to have included a buy-back clause in the agreement, a sign that the Gunners still view Laila Harbert as a player with significant long-term potential. The North London club have become increasingly cautious about permanently losing young talents after previous departures without future control mechanisms.
Laila Harbert spent the second half of the season on loan at Everton after an earlier spell in the NWSL with Portland Thorns FC. During her time in the United States, she made five appearances and gained valuable experience in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. Her opportunities were more limited after returning to England, making just one appearance for Everton during the second half of the campaign.
Arsenal Preparing for Major Squad Rebuild
Arsenal are expected to be highly active during the upcoming transfer window following several key departures from the squad. Among the high-profile exits are Katie McCabe and Victoria Pelova, forcing the club to explore reinforcements across multiple positions.
Several notable names have already been linked with a move to Arsenal, including Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler, Georgia Stanway and Selina Cerci.
Ona Batlle Linked With Arsenal Move
One of the most intriguing rumours involves Barcelona defender Ona Batlle.
The Spanish international is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football and would provide both attacking quality and defensive reliability on Arsenal’s left side.
Her experience at the highest level, including success in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, would make her an ideal replacement for McCabe.
Reuteler, Stanway and Cerci Also on Arsenal Radar
Geraldine Reuteler is set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt Women, while Georgia Stanway has confirmed her departure from FC Bayern Munich Women earlier this summer. Meanwhile, Selina Cerci recently announced her exit from TSG Hoffenheim Women.
All three players would add quality, versatility and depth to an Arsenal squad preparing for a crucial rebuild ahead of next season.
Young English Talents Increasingly Moving to the NWSL
Harbert’s potential move also reflects a growing trend of young English talents heading to the NWSL in search of regular first-team football.
Players such as Anouk Denton, Keira Barry and Erica Parkinson have all explored opportunities abroad as American clubs continue to invest heavily in youth development and playing opportunities.
For many prospects, the NWSL offers a faster pathway to senior minutes compared to the increasingly competitive environment in the Women’s Super League.
What’s Next for Arsenal Women?
Arsenal Women have officially concluded their Women’s Super League campaign after finishing second in the table with 51 points from 22 matches.
The Gunners recorded an impressive 15 wins, six draws and just one defeat throughout the season. However, the number of draws ultimately proved costly in the title race, as Manchester City Women secured the league crown with 55 points after winning 18 matches.
Despite narrowly missing out on the title, Arsenal comfortably secured UEFA Women’s Champions League football for next season, a major objective during a campaign filled with both transition and consistency.
Attention will now turn fully towards the summer transfer window and the international break, with Arsenal expected to be one of the busiest clubs in Europe following several major departures and growing links to high-profile targets across the continent. With a significant rebuild underway, the coming months could shape the next era of Arsenal Women.
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