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Barcelona have officially confirmed that Salma Paralluelo, who scored twice in last month’s Champions League final victory over Lyon, will be leaving the club. The reigning European champions had been engaged in talks with the Spain international over a new contract, but they failed to reach an agreement. As a result, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Lyon are among the clubs keen to sign her on a free transfer.

Barcelona’s women’s football director, Marc Vives, had earlier stated on radio station 3Cat in April that the club hoped to retain Paralluelo. Several other players were already out of contract this summer, with Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, and Ona Batlle confirming their exits before the season concluded, which gave them the chance to bid farewell to supporters. However, Paralluelo’s future was uncertain until now.

The forward’s outstanding performance in the Champions League final further heightened interest in her. The 22-year-old’s two goals helped Barcelona secure a 4-0 win against Lyon, clinching their fourth UEFA Women’s Champions League title. That display appeared to alert Europe’s top clubs, and growing transfer speculation since then has only reinforced that impression.

According to The Athletic, Paralluelo’s salary expectations were around £1 million per year — a figure Barcelona were unable to meet. Despite ongoing discussions, the two parties could not finalise a deal, leading to Tuesday’s official announcement of her departure. The club’s statement read: “FC Barcelona would like to thank Salma Paralluelo for her commitment, dedication and contribution during these four seasons wearing the Barca shirt. The club wishes her the best of luck in this new phase.”

Paralluelo leaves after four highly successful years in Catalonia, having joined from Villarreal in 2022. Then just 19, she was seen as a raw but gifted talent who had only recently focused fully on football after a promising start in athletics. A prolific campaign with Villarreal in Spain’s second division had attracted attention from several top clubs, but Barcelona ultimately secured her signature.

Her time at Barca has featured both highs and lows. In her debut season, she scored 15 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions and was a key figure in Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph. The following season, she raised her game even further, netting 34 goals in 36 matches and finishing third in the Ballon d’Or standings.

Team success never waned during her tenure, as Paralluelo lifted 14 of the 16 possible major trophies available. However, her individual output dipped recently, hindered by injuries during the 2024-25 season. She managed just 12 goals in all competitions this past year — though two of those came in the Champions League final, underlining her ability to deliver on the biggest stage. Consistency over a longer period now appears to be her next challenge.

As for where she might go next, her destination remains uncertain with several leading European clubs vying for her signature. Chelsea, however, seem to have dropped out of the race after the forward reportedly turned down their offer earlier this month. The Athletic suggests the Blues were unwilling to meet her wage demands.

Chelsea’s interest in a centre-forward continues to face setbacks. They have already missed out on Khadija Shaw, who opted to remain at Manchester City, and teenage prodigy Felicia Schroder, who joined Real Madrid despite a world-record bid from the London club. Paralluelo, capable of playing both centrally and on the wing, now becomes another name crossed off their shortlist.

According to ARA, four clubs remain in contention for Paralluelo’s signature — Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and London City Lionesses. Lyon are well aware of her quality after being on the receiving end of her brilliance in the recent Champions League final. PSG, meanwhile, are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season that saw them exit Europe early and fall short in the domestic play-offs.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with RB Leipzig’s rising star Lisa Baum, who is expected to command a hefty transfer fee, as well as striker Selina Cerci. Reports from Arseblog indicate both deals are nearing completion, meaning a move for Paralluelo would be an unexpected addition to their recruitment plans.

London City Lionesses are another intriguing option. The club is reportedly close to signing Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon from Barcelona, and they have already confirmed the arrival of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps. Backed by billionaire owner Michele Kang, who also owns Lyon and the Washington Spirit, London City are clearly aiming high — and landing Paralluelo would be another major statement of intent.