Chloe Kelly: Arsenal sign Manchester City and England forward on loan

Following a turbulent January transfer window, England forward Chloe Kelly has joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old had been the subject of transfer speculation throughout January, seeking a move away from Manchester City.

On deadline day, rivals Manchester United made an offer for Kelly, which was rejected by Manchester City. Subsequently, City agreed to a loan deal with Arsenal. Kelly will be unavailable for this Sunday's Women's Super League (WSL) match between Manchester City and Arsenal at City's home ground.

On Wednesday, Kelly posted on Instagram stating that she wanted to "be happy again" and that she did not see her future at Manchester City beyond this summer. Her contract expires in June, but Kelly, who has only made one WSL start this season, is concerned about her place in the England national team, with the 2025 European Championships taking place in July. She scored the winning goal in the 2022 European Championship final, helping England win their first major women's tournament.

Kelly added on Wednesday: “This summer is so important with the Euros approaching and I want to be in the best possible shape to represent my country. However, being dictated to about which team I can or can’t join with only four months of the football season remaining has had a huge impact on my career and mental health. This situation has dragged on far too long, been disappointing, and not right.”

Her only WSL start this season came against West Ham in October, and she hopes to secure her place in the England national team by gaining consistent playing time at Arsenal. Kelly’s intention to leave Manchester City was well known throughout January, and the relationship between the England international and the club had become increasingly strained. In the hours before the 23:00 GMT deadline on Thursday, Manchester City received offers from fellow WSL clubs Brighton and Manchester United, neither of which were accepted. Club sources indicated that one of the offers did not include an agreement to pay Kelly’s wages for the remainder of the season.

Initial reports of Manchester United's interest in Kelly, who was absent from the Manchester derby defeat at the Etihad Stadium, surfaced before that game. Arsenal’s offer was made later on Thursday and accepted by Manchester City, with both sides keen to find a resolution. Kelly’s departure has not been seamless, with her social media post on Wednesday claiming that Manchester City “decided” which team she could or could not join. Manchester City have not commented publicly, but are likely relieved to see an end to the saga, while Kelly’s desire for regular playing time has finally been fulfilled.

Her place in the England national team remains at significant risk, and she will need to compete for playing time at Arsenal to get enough game time before July.