Keira Walsh: Could Barcelona star return to WSL before transfer deadline?

England international Keira Walsh has reignited rumours of a potential return to the Barclays Women's Super League before the closure of the transfer window.

Speculation of a move to Arsenal first emerged in June, with sources confirming to 90min that the club were in talks with Barcelona over a fee for the midfielder.

Up until now however, news of a deal had fallen off the radar until BBC Sport reported this week that despite having a year remaining on her contract at Barcelona, Walsh wanted to return home for personal reasons instead of extending her contract.

This would leave the club in a position whereby they'd either lose her on a free in a year, or they could look to capitalise on the interest they'd had from her this summer.

A move to Arsenal would make sense. Their midfield took a hit earlier this year when Victoria Pelova ruptured her ACL, and the recruitment of Walsh would certainly help strengthen their squad.

The Gunners have also had a selective transfer window, bringing on Walsh's team mate Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona, alongside Rosa Kafaji and goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. However, it looks as though they aren't the only WSL club interested in the 27-year-old.

Chelsea are believed to have the adequate funds to make an offer, too. There's also a lot working in their favour that's likely to grab Walsh's attention. A move would see her be reunited with a handful of her England teammates, including new recruit Lucy Bronze, who she also played with at Barcelona, as well as Millie Bright, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Hannah Hampton. There's no doubt moving to a club and knowing a large proportion of the squad eases concerns.

But despite growing interest, it seems Barcelona are adamant that Walsh will be playing in Spain next season.

The club's Femeni sporting director, Marc Vives, wrote on social media a few days ago: "Keira Walsh is part of our squad; we count on her, and we have no intention of [letting her go]. For us, she is an essential player, and we trust that she will be here. There is no indiciation to suggest otherwise."

Either way, if a club is keen they are going to need to act fast. The WSL transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on 13 September, meaning it won't be long until Walsh's future is confirmed, whether that's remaining in Liga F for another year or making the move back to England.

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