WSL transfers: Alexia Putellas linked with London City Lionesses, Chelsea's No 9 search and a busy summer ahead for Arsenal
Alexia Putellas is set to leave Barcelona - and could be on her way to the WSL; Chelsea are on the hunt for a new No 9 after Khadija 'Bunny' Saw decided to stay at Man City; Arsenal are expected to make a number of signings while Beth Mead and Katie McCabe ponder their next moves
Tuesday 26 May 2026 14:24, UK
There are set to be more big moves in the WSL this summer, with Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas being linked with London City Lionesses, while Chelsea and Arsenal are aiming to improve as they look to challenge for the title next season.
Here, Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui looks at what might be on the horizon for WSL transfers...
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London City's grand plans
Could London City be signing a two-time Ballon d'or winner?
Alexia Putellas was tight lipped about her future after captaining Barcelona to another Champions League trophy over the weekend but London City are making a big play to bring her to the WSL.
It's understood a contract offer's been on the table for some time and is far more than the terms being offered by the European champions.
Putellas, named Champions League Player of the Season, is also favourite to win the Ballon d'or later this year too. She's expected to make a decision on her future soon.
With London City not in Europe next season, would Putellas be willing to lose a few months of buzz to earn the biggest payday of her career?
There is, of course, a high chance she moves to the capital and still win the world's biggest individual honour.
Her case may also be helped if London City get positive responses from out-of-contract duo Mapi Leon and Mary Earps this summer too.
Both have been approached by the highly ambitious club, who already count the likes of Kosovare Asllani and Grace Geyoro among their players.
Chelsea's No 9 search
The plan was for Chelsea to sign Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and a player seen as the best young striker in Europe to help dominate the WSL for years to come.
Shaw, obviously, threw a spanner in the works by opting to stay at Manchester City but Chelsea still want to go ahead with their plans for the other forward.
That player is Felicia Schroder. The 19-year-old scored 30 goals in Sweden last season and a hat-trick in the second leg of the Europa Cup final earlier this month.
Chelsea are prepared to offer her club Hacken around £1.5m - a world record fee - but a deal may not be as easy as presumed.
Schroder has a contract until 2029, she is set to play Champions League football at her Swedish club and wants to become her country's starting striker at the World Cup.
Would the latter happen if she starts her Chelsea career on the bench?
Arsenal's ins and outs
It's going to be a busy summer at Arsenal.
Deals to bring Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle back to the WSL were agreed some time ago, it's just a case of getting everything confirmed.
Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reuteler will also be moving to North London, while discussions with Selina Cerci - who scored 16 goals for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga Frauen this season - took place a while ago too.
As for the big-name departures, both Beth Mead and Katie McCabe will take their time before announcing their next moves.
McCabe, named in the WSL Team of the Season, has interest from Chelsea and Man City as well as clubs in the States.
Man City have looked into signing Mead, who faces a big year ahead of next summer's World Cup.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman admits the forward's next move could have a big impact on her chances of going to Brazil.
Mead had to fight for minutes during her final two years and only scored two WSL goals this season.
She'd be scrapping with Lauren Hemp, Mary Fowler, Vivianne Miedema, Kerolin and Auba Fujino if she moved to Manchester City.
Mead would back herself to make an impact in any squad but minutes could be vital to keep her England place.
