Spain defender Laia Codina has explained her decision to leave Arsenal for West Ham, saying she was drawn by the fresh project being built under manager Rita Guarino. The 26-year-old, who won the Champions League and League Cup during three years at Arsenal, said she felt ready for a new challenge after finding a "new family" at the club, and that the honesty of her conversations with Guarino was the deciding factor in her move.

Codina made 58 appearances for Arsenal and is a 2023 World Cup winner with Spain. West Ham finished 10th in the Women's Super League last season and have faced criticism in the past for limited transfer investment, but this summer they have signed Codina and forward Ebony Salmon from Aston Villa alongside young talents Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing. Guarino, who previously led Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles, took charge midway through last season and has focused on defensive stability, though Codina expects the team to play a more attacking, possession-based style this coming campaign.