Manchester City corner flag
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Arsenal Women are on the brink of completing the permanent signing of England international Chloe Kelly, who is set to join the Gunners on a free transfer following the expiry of her Manchester City contract at the end of June.
The Athletic reports that the 27-year-old winger has agreed to continue her career in North London after a successful loan spell earlier this year, during which she played a key role in Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph. Kelly started in the Gunners’ 1-0 final win over Barcelona in May, a performance that earned her a recall to the England squad for Euro 2025.
Sources close to the deal reveal that Kelly has granted Arsenal a period of exclusivity to finalise negotiations, which are understood to focus on a potential three-year contract. Her return marks a significant coup for Arsenal as they aim to build on their recent European success.
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“Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad,” Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said when Kelly initially arrived on loan in January — a view that remains unchanged within the club hierarchy as they push to seal her permanent return.
Kelly, an Arsenal academy graduate who featured for the club between 2015 and 2018, expressed her deep connection to the club after the Champions League final. “As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness,” she told The Independent. “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy.”
Arsenal Women - Chloe Kelly
Chloe Kelly (Image credit: Getty Images)
Her departure from Manchester City was clouded by controversy. In a social media post in January, Kelly accused the club of trying to “assassinate her character.” Limited to just one WSL start during the 2024/25 season under former manager Gareth Taylor, she opted for a mid-season loan to Arsenal, despite interest from Manchester United and Brighton.
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With City finishing fourth and missing out on European qualification, Kelly’s choice to join an upwardly mobile Arsenal side, who secured second place in the WSL and Champions League football, reflects her ambition to compete at the top level.
Kelly’s connection to Arsenal runs deep. She made 19 appearances and scored nine goals in her first spell and fondly recalled training alongside current teammates Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson. “Arsenal have always paved the way for women’s football,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mail, praising the club’s legacy and fanbase.
Her expected signing is part of a busy summer of change at Arsenal, who have already confirmed the departures of Amanda Ilestedt, Lina Hurtig, and Teyah Goldie, per the Evening Standard. But all eyes remain on Kelly and her impact on and off the pitch.
“It’s only Arsenal she’s talking to at the moment – both parties want this deal to get done,” a source told Sky Sports News, underlining the mutual commitment between player and club.
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