England forward Chloe Kelly has officially completed a permanent move to Arsenal following the expiration of her contract with Manchester City. The 27-year-old returns to the club where she began her senior career, marking a significant chapter in her professional journey.
Kelly's move to Arsenal comes after a successful loan spell with the Gunners in the second half of last season. During that time, she made 13 appearances, scoring two goals and providing five assists, proving to be a vital asset to the team. Her contributions were particularly notable during Arsenal's Champions League triumph, their first since 2007.
"Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me," Kelly stated. She expressed her eagerness to learn from the "incredible manager" and continue building relationships with her teammates. Kelly also conveyed her excitement about winning more silverware with Arsenal and celebrating with the club's supporters, who she has always regarded as the best.
Kelly's journey with Arsenal began at the age of 12 when she joined the academy in 2010. She progressed through the ranks, making 19 appearances for the first team between 2015 and 2018, scoring nine goals. During her time with Arsenal, she had two loan spells at Everton before making a permanent move to the Merseyside club in 2018. She then joined Manchester City in 2020, where she made 109 appearances and scored 30 goals, winning the FA Cup in 2019/20 and the League Cup in 2021/22.
At the international level, Kelly has earned 53 caps and scored eight goals for England. A highlight of her international career was scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final. She was also a key member of the Lionesses squad that reached the final of the Women's World Cup in 2023.
Arsenal's Director of Women's Football, Clare Wheatley, expressed her delight at retaining Kelly, highlighting her "application, attitude and performances" during her loan spell last season. Wheatley is confident that Kelly will continue to be a valuable asset as they prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
Head Coach Renée Slegers also shared her excitement about Kelly's permanent signing. Slegers, who values tactical input from players, was impressed by Kelly's energy and ideas.
Kelly's departure from Manchester City was confirmed on July 1st, with the player posting a message on her Instagram account acknowledging the support she received from fans, teammates, and staff during her time there. Despite some reports of a fallout with the former City coach Gareth Taylor, Kelly focused on the positive aspects of her time with the club.
Her return to Arsenal has been widely anticipated, especially after her impactful loan spell. She quickly established herself in the team and played a crucial role in their Champions League victory. Her seamless transition back into the Arsenal squad felt like a natural fit, as if she had never left.
