Chloe Kelly, the England international forward and 2022 European Championship hero, has made headlines with her significant move back to Arsenal on loan from Manchester City, culminating on the dramatic deadline day of the January transfer window. The 27-year-old player returns to her original club on a deal set to last until the end of the season, marking her reunion with the team where she first displayed her football talents.
Having begun her career with Arsenal, making her debut at the young age of 17, Kelly quickly became known for her promising performance by scoring five goals from 16 appearances before her departure. She later joined Everton on loan and then permanently before making the leap to Manchester City in 2020. There she found her footing, making 109 total appearances and netting 31 goals, but this was contrasted with her current situation where game time significantly dwindled.
Frustration mounted for Kelly this season as her opportunities for play became scarce, with just one start to her name. With her contract at City sitting precariously with only four months left, the pressure was on her to find regular football, especially with the UEFA Women’s Championship on the horizon. Kelly expressed her dissatisfaction openly, stating on Instagram just days before her transfer: “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.”
This situation became even more complicated when she indicated feeling “dictated” by City about her future. “To be dictated whom I can and can't join... is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental wellbeing,” she added, highlighting her frustration with the drawn-out circumstances surrounding her potential transfer. Kelly's determination to play regularly was evident when she concluded her statement with, “I just want to be happy again.”
The January transfer window turned chaotic for Kelly, with both Manchester United and Brighton showing interest, yet City declined their offers, keeping her future uncertain until the decision was made to allow her to join Arsenal. Arsenal's head coach, Renée Slegers, reflected the club’s excitement about her arrival, describing her as “an exciting attacking player” with “huge natural talent and ability.”
The news of her move was confirmed late Thursday, just before the transfer deadline closed at 11 pm GMT. Slegers stated: “We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as we approach the second half of the season.” Kelly aims to seize this second chance with Arsenal and prove her mettle, reigniting her football career and solidifying her place in the England national team's roster.
Arsenal's Director of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley, expressed pride at Kelly's return, noting, “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.” Armed with the number 18 jersey, Kelly is poised to make her second debut, possibly as early as the FA Cup clash with London City on February 9.
Kelly's move back to Arsenal signifies more than just a transfer; it encapsulates her search for happiness and fulfillment within the sport. She leaves behind the emotional weight of her time at City, embarking on this new chapter with hopes high as she aims for selection for the upcoming European Championship, where she seeks to contribute to the Lionesses’ success, having already sealed her place as the team’s historic scorer. This loan move not only impacts her personal career but influences the broader narrative of women's football as players prioritize mental health and career satisfaction.
To fans and players alike, the move serves as both inspiration and reminder of the dedication athletes put forth to achieve their career aspirations. With her return to Arsenal, Chloe Kelly is set to take on the challenges the second half of the season presents, where she will seek to establish herself as not only the formidable player once known but also as one reborn on the pitch.