Chloe Kelly has joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season, completing a dramatic move on Women's Super League (WSL) transfer deadline day. The 27-year-old England international made the decision to switch to Arsenal as she's seeking more first-team opportunities after struggling for playing time at City, where she has made just one start this season.
Kelly, who enjoyed her formative years at Arsenal, expressed her frustrations publicly leading up to the transfer. "With my contract expiring in June, I’ve accepted my future is not at this club beyond then. With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country," she stated on her Instagram account.
This move marks Kelly's return to her roots, having come through the Arsenal academy, where she made 19 first-team appearances between 2015 and 2018 before moving on to Everton and finally Manchester City. During her time with City, Kelly tallied significant achievements, including winning the FA Cup and the League Cup, and she was pivotal to England's success at Euro 2022, scoring the decisive goal against Germany.
After having turned down the opportunity to join Brighton earlier this month, Kelly was initially believed to have her eyes set on Manchester United. Yet, as the clock ticked down on transfer deadline day, Arsenal managed to secure her services.
Renée Slegers, Arsenal’s head coach, welcomed her back by saying, "Chloe is direct and explosive, with huge natural talent and ability. We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as an Arsenal player in the coming months." Meanwhile, Clare Wheatley, Arsenal's director of women’s football, emphasized the club's pride in Kelly’s development and expressed excitement about her return. "We’re thrilled to welcome Chloe back to Arsenal. We’ve been proud to see the career she’s gone on to enjoy, both at club and international level," Wheatley remarked.
Kelly's decision to leave City came after she publicly highlighted how the lack of playing time has affected her mental wellbeing. She had played only 165 minutes across the WSL this season, prompting concerns over her future not just at City, but with the England national team as well, as the Euro 2025 tournament approaches.
Posting about her situation, Kelly said, "For a long time, I've tried to work through professional challenges privately... [but] I feel it's time to be open and transparent. I just want to be happy again." This sentiment struck a chord with many, as Kelly reflected on the pressures faced by athletes who often suppress their struggles, noting, "I am human, and I have and will give everything to the game I love."
Arsenal, currently sitting fourth in the WSL table, just one point behind City, sees Kelly's arrival as pivotal for their campaign. Her presence could boost their efforts to secure one of the top three Champions League spots. Kelly’s return to the pitch with Arsenal will not only serve her personal ambitions but also contribute significantly to the club's objectives as they eye success for the remainder of the season.
Looking to seize her chance, Kelly aims to make her mark at Arsenal, where she hopes to re-establish herself as one of the league’s top talents. She will don the number 18 jersey upon return and has expressed eagerness to reconnect with her former teammates and the Arsenal community.
With the weekend set to see Arsenal clash with Manchester City, the timing of Kelly’s loan could not be more dramatic, positioning her for immediate impact against her parent club. The football community is undoubtedly watching to see how this transfer shapes not only Kelly's career but also Arsenal's fortunes as the season progresses.