• Bronze and Bartel likely to join WSL champions shortly
• Pair are boost for Chelsea in immediate and long term

Chelsea are poised to sign the England right-back Lucy Bronze and the Spain youth international midfielder Júlia Bartel, both from Barcelona on free transfers.

It is understood the arrival of the 20-year-old Bartel, who has been tipped as one of the best young players in Europe, is imminent and her move could be confirmed by Chelsea within the next 24 to 36 hours, while an agreement is also believed to be in place for Bronze to join Sonia Bompastor’s side.

• World Cup winner Caldentey joins from Barcelona
• Liverpool buy Olivia Smith for club record

Arsenal have signed the World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona on a free transfer. The 28-year-old had a 10-year spell at Barcelona during which she won 25 trophies, including three Champions Leagues, the third of which came in May against Lyon.

Arsenal view Caldentey as one of the best players in the world and their recruitment team identified her as a key target because of her ruthless winning mentality and the opportunity to sign her in the prime of her career. She has been given the No 8 shirt.