Arsenal have signed Chloe Kelly on a free transfer following expiration of her contract at Manchester City.
Last season saw Kelly fall down the pecking order at City with just two goals in 12 appearances during the first half of the season, which led her to join Arsenal on loan where she scored twice and contributed five assists in 13 appearances as the Gunners won the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Kelly subsequently gave Arsenal an exclusive window to negotiate terms on a free transfer which came to a successful conclusion, having previously been linked in January with a free move to Manchester United for this summer.
The 27-year-old subsequently agreed a three-year contract until June 2028.
“Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me”, commented Kelly. “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 that Arsenal supporters are the best and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me.”
Manager, Renee Slegers added that she is “delighted” to sign Kelly on a permanent deal after her successful loan spell.
“She had a great impact and played an important role in what we achieved here last season, and I know she shares our ambition to compete for more.”
Kelly began her senior career at Arsenal where she scored five goals in 16 appearances – having graduated through their academy, during which she spent two loan spells at Everton before she joined the Toffees permanently where she netted 21 goals in 60 total appearances.
July 2020 saw Kelly join City where she won the 2019-20 Women’s FA Cup – coincidentally beating her former team, Everton in the final – which had been delayed into the 20-21 season due to the Coronavirus pandemic, which was followed by 2021-22 Women’s League Cup.
Across five years at Man City, Kelly produced 31 goals in 109 appearances despite the acrimonious end to her spell at the club.
Kelly represents England at international level in which she scored eight goals in 53 senior caps, including her famous title-clinching winner against Germany as the Lionesses won UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 on home soil, followed by the winning penalty over Brazil in 2023 Women’s Finalissima.
The winger was also part of England’s 2023 Arnold Clark Cup-winning squad, in which she scored in victories over South Korea and Belgium.