Arsenal - Chloe Kelly
Image credit: Getty Images
England winger Chloe Kelly has insisted her full focus is on the national team ahead of Euro 2025, despite uncertainty over her club future as talks continue over a permanent move to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City in January and made an immediate impact, playing a key role in the Gunners’ UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph, including the historic final victory over Barcelona in Lisbon.
Kelly, who is out of contract with City at the end of June, is reportedly entering a period of “exclusivity” with Arsenal, according to The Athletic, giving the North London club first option to secure her on a permanent basis. However, the forward is leaving negotiations to her representatives as she focuses solely on England’s Euro campaign.
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“I’m just allowing my representatives to do the work behind the scenes,” Kelly said. “My focus is solely on England. They [Arsenal] took me from a really dark place and gave me an opportunity, but we achieved incredible things together, so let’s see what happens.”
Arsenal Women - Chloe Kelly
Chloe Kelly (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking after the Champions League final, Kelly praised Arsenal for reigniting her passion for the game following a difficult spell at Manchester City, where she struggled for playing time. “I found happiness again,” she admitted. “I was in a dark place at City, but Arsenal gave me the opportunity to enjoy football again.”
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Kelly famously scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley and will be a key figure as England aim to retain their title, starting with their group-stage opener against France on Saturday, July 5. If her contract situation remains unresolved by then, she could begin the tournament as a free agent.
Regardless of her contract status, Kelly remains fully committed to the national team. “No matter whether it’s done or not [before the Euros], my focus is solely on the tournament ahead,” she said.
Earlier this season, Kelly’s place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad appeared uncertain due to limited minutes at City. However, her form under Arsenal manager Renée Slegers, where she thrived in a revitalised attacking role, cemented her place in the squad.
“I feel like I’ve grown so much from being at Arsenal,” Kelly added. “Every day I was learning from a great manager in Renée, and to be here now is an incredible honour. You never take for granted playing for your country, so I knew I needed to get minutes and work hard to be in this position.”
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