Arsenal have completed the free signing of former Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez.
The 27-year-old is moving to north London following the expiration of her Real Madrid contract and joining Arsenal’s goalkeeping squad of Daphne van Domselaar, Anneke Borbe and her fellow summer signings. Isabella Pond.
She made 215 appearances for Real Madrid, more than any player in the club’s history. She also has 24 caps for Spain, with Rodriguez competing with Barcelona’s Catalan Cata Coll for a place in the national team.
Rodriguez started in three group games as Spain won the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Rodriguez became Arsenal’s seventh signing of a busy summer transfer window following Damm’s arrival. Georgia Stanway, Geraldine Reuther, Selina Cerci, She Battle And Lisa Baum.
Rodriguez was the captain of Real Madrid and the record holder for most appearances.
She is also Arsenal’s fifth free transfer this summer after Stanway, Battle, Churchi and Reuther.
“I’m so proud to join this great club,” Rodriguez told Arsenal’s official website.
Arsenal is one of the best clubs in the world and I am very excited to be part of the team and take on this new challenge. I want to help us fight for trophies and make history with our fans.”
“Misa is a top goalkeeper who has been performing consistently at a high level for several years now,” added Renee Slegers. “As well as her technical qualities, she has excellent presence and communication on the pitch and we believe she will be a strong addition to our goalkeeping line-up alongside Daphne, Anneke and Isabella.”
Arsenal’s business is smart, but is it exciting?
Olivia Smith was Arsenal’s biggest signing last summer.
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Ahead of the 2026/27 season, the need for change at Arsenal was clear. Their aging roster is outdated. The evolution began with the departure of big names – Katie McCabe to Chelsea and Beth Mead to Manchester City – and they are now entering a rebuilding phase.
The Gunners welcomed seven new faces, five of them as free agents, combining potential with experience. And chosen taking into account Rene Slegers’ preference for smart and versatile players. Smart business.
Arsenal needed more threats in the forward areas and more options in the central third. Geraldine Reiter and Georgia Stanway address the latter, while Selina Cerci offers goals.
Slegers may still be short of a contract given that two of Arsenal’s most prominent players have moved into direct competition this summer. There was an outcry when Arsenal released Vivianne Miedema in 2024, but she was quickly replaced by Barcelona’s Mariona Caldentey in what was a revelation.
Last year, £1million-rated striker Olivia Smith caused a stir. Lineup renewal continues; a headline acquisition would have been useful to really highlight Arsenal’s ambitions for the next term.