Arsenal have signed Chloe Kelly on a free transfer following the expiration of her Manchester City contract, after a loan spell at the Gunners last season.
The England forward has turned her loan into a permanent move after she joined Arsenal in January, scoring twice and providing five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.
The 27-year-old helped Renee Slegers’ side win the Champions League last season, starting in their 1-0 final win over Barcelona in May.
Kelly helped Arsenal win the Champions League last season
London-born Kelly returns permanently to Arsenal, having joined the club’s academy at the age of 12 in 2010 before departing for Everton in 2018.
Kelly said of her move: “Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me.
“Learning from an incredible manager and continuing to build relationships with an excellent team is a journey I’m looking forward to continuing.
“I’m excited for more silverware at this special club and to bring more trophies back to north London to celebrate with our supporters.
“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 switch to the Emirates Stadium comes amid the forward being part of England’s Euro 2025 squad in Switzerland, where they are aiming to retain their title.
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 played an important role for us last season’
Kelly scored twice in her 13 appearances for the Gunners last season
Kelly departs Man City after five years at the club, where she made a total of 109 appearances and scored 30 goals, winning the 2020 FA Cup and 2022 League Cup.
Arsenal boss Slegers said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make Chloe a permanent signing for us.
“She had a great impact for us and played an important role in what we achieved here last season, and I know she shares our ambition to compete for more.”
Kelly will continue to wear the number 18 shirt at Arsenal.
Clare Wheatley, Arsenal’s director of women’s football, said: “We’re thrilled to keep Chloe at Arsenal.
“Chloe’s application, attitude and performances were outstanding throughout her loan spell last season, and we are delighted to continue working together as we gear up for an exciting 2025/26 campaign.
“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.”
‘Kelly’s move a relief for all parties’
Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui:
“This will be a relief to both Chloe Kelly and Arsenal.
“The England winger only wanted to join Arsenal despite interest elsewhere but getting a deal completed was easier said than done.
“At 27, Kelly would have wanted a contract that reflects her being at the peak of her career and she’ll be delighted an agreement could be reached.
“Despite Kelly shutting down talks with other parties, Arsenal were aware of interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and others.
“Failure to secure Kelly’s signature would not only let a fan’s favourite get away but also strengthen a WSL rival.
“Now Kelly and Arsenal can carry on their journey and aim for more silverware together.”
Sky to show nearly 90 per cent of WSL games from next season
In October, it was announced that Sky Sports has signed a new five-year deal to broadcast the WSL – securing the rights to show nearly 90 per cent of the league’s games.
From next season, Sky will broadcast 118 matches from the WSL, more than three times the number of games currently, with 78 fixtures shown exclusively.
With over 75 per cent of first picks plus all matches from the closing weekend exclusive to Sky, women’s football fans are guaranteed more of the best matches week in, week out from England’s top flight.
The new partnership also gives Sky the option to show matches from the Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup, including the final. This brings both competitions onto Sky platforms for the first time.
In 2023, Sky Sports broadcast over 70 per cent of all live televised women’s sport. Women’s football can be enjoyed alongside England cricket, The Hundred, US Open tennis, WTA Tour, women’s golf majors, England netball, F1 Academy, WPL cricket, women’s boxing, Women’s Super League (rugby league) and more.
Football fans can enjoy this huge increase of fixtures from the women’s game from next season at the same time as Sky’s record deal with the Premier League kicks in, including at least 215 matches – an increase of 70 per cent on exclusively live games.
