Arsenal Secure Chloe Kelly on Free Transfer After Successful Loan Stint

Arsenal Secure Chloe Kelly on Free Transfer After Successful Loan Stint.

Arsenal have signed Chloe Kelly on a free transfer after her Manchester City contract expired, following a loan spell with the Gunners last season.

The England attacker has converted her loan to a permanent deal after joining Arsenal in January, where she scored twice and assisted five times in 13 outings across all competitions.

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Starting in their 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the May final, the 27-year-old contributed to Renee Slegers’ team’s Champions League victory last season.

Kelly, who was born in London, rejoins Arsenal permanently after leaving for Everton in 2018 after enrolling in the team’s academy at the age of 12.

Regarding her decision, Kelly stated: “For me, signing a long-term contract with Arsenal is a memorable event.

“I’m excited to continue my path of learning from a great manager and developing ties with an excellent team.

“I’m looking forward to winning more silverware for this unique club and bringing more trophies back to North London to celebrate with our fans.

“I’ve always said Arsenal supporters are the best, and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me.”

Kelly’s move to the Emirates Stadium comes while the forward is part of England’s Euro 2025 squad in Switzerland, where they hope to maintain their championship.

Kelly scored the extra-time winner in the Euro 2022 final and will be looking to produce more heroics for the Lionesses this summer with Sarina Wiegman’s side starting their campaign on Saturday against France.

Kelly leaves Manchester City after five years, during which she made 109 appearances and scored 30 goals, winning the 2020 FA Cup and the 2022 League Cup.

Arsenal manager Slegers stated, “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make Chloe a permanent signing for us.”

“She had a great impact on us and played an important role in what we achieved here last season, and I know she shares our ambition to compete for more.”

At Arsenal, Kelly will still don the number 18 shirt.

“We’re very happy to have Chloe stay at Arsenal,” stated Clare Wheatley, director of women’s football at Arsenal.

“We are thrilled to continue working together as we prepare for a great 2025–2026 campaign, and Chloe’s application, attitude, and performances were exceptional during her loan term last season.

“I know our supporters have been waiting patiently for this one, and I’m sure they’ll join me in welcoming Chloe home to north London.”