Arsenal set to end Katie McCabe's 11-year stay as they close in on Batlle and Stanway

Arsenal icon Katie McCabe is set to leave the club at the end of the season, The Guardian reports, as the Gunners move toward potential deals for Barcelona defender Ona Batlle and England midfielder Georgia Stanway ahead of a busy summer. The 30-year-old McCabe, who joined Arsenal in 2015, has become a fan favourite after an 11-year spell in north London that included a loan to Glasgow City in 2017 and seven major honours, highlighted by last season's Champions League win.

The Guardian says "very respectful discussions" have taken place and that she is "likely" to depart. The Athletic has reported Arsenal are in talks with Batlle, who is out of contract this summer and returned to Barcelona in 2023 after three seasons with Manchester United. Goal notes that Batlle is highly regarded as a full-back who can play on either side — a versatility that could replace depth lost if McCabe leaves, despite Arsenal already signing Smilla Holmberg and re-adding Taylor Hinds and having Emily Fox in the squad.

Goal's report says Arsenal want to refresh the squad with younger players, and replacing McCabe with a player four years her junior would fit that strategy. It also flags a wider turnover: 10 Arsenal players are out of contract this summer, with Leah Williamson and Kim Little most expected to stay while others could move on.

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