Chloe Kelly is currently the subject of intense transfer speculation as she approaches the end of her contract with Manchester City at the end of June. The England winger, fresh off a Champions League triumph with Arsenal during a loan spell, is now prioritizing a permanent move to the Gunners ahead of Euro 2025.
Kelly's future has been a major talking point, especially after a successful loan stint with Arsenal in the second half of last season. During this period, she played a pivotal role in Arsenal's Champions League victory, contributing significantly to their memorable European success. This experience appears to have solidified her desire to remain in North London.
The 27-year-old is reportedly granting Arsenal a period of exclusivity in transfer negotiations, signaling her strong preference for a permanent deal with the club. According to reports, a three-year contract is being discussed, potentially marking the most significant deal of her career. While there's interest from other Women's Super League clubs, as well as teams in Europe and the United States, Kelly is currently focused on finalizing an agreement with Arsenal.
Kelly has openly expressed her positive feelings about her time with Arsenal. She has stated that the club provided her with an opportunity when she was in a "really dark place," reigniting her passion for the game. "Arsenal took me from a really dark place and gave me an opportunity but we achieved incredible things together, so let's see what happens," she said, hinting at the strong possibility of her staying with the club. She also said "From the moment I arrived at the club though, I knew it was the right move for me. I got my smile back. I was learning again, loving the game again. Even if we didn't win the Champions League, it still would've been the best decision I could have made. But that win? That just made it unforgettable.”
Despite the ongoing transfer discussions, Kelly remains fully committed to England's Euro 2025 campaign. As part of the Lionesses squad, she is determined to help her team retain their European crown. "To be honest, I'm just allowing my representatives to do the work behind the scenes,” Kelly stated. “My focus is solely on England. No matter whether it's done or not [before the Euros], my focus is solely on the tournament ahead, so my focus will always be on this.”
Kelly's journey back to Arsenal is particularly noteworthy, considering her previous time with the club between 2015 and 2018. After falling out of favor at Manchester City, where she made just one appearance last season, the loan move to Arsenal proved to be a turning point. In 13 appearances for the Gunners, she scored twice and provided six assists, showcasing her value to the team.
Her positive experience with Arsenal also extends to her relationship with manager Renee Slegers. Kelly praised Slegers for her influence both on and off the pitch, stating, "She's just a great manager, I learnt so much on the pitch and off the pitch from her. She's a great person and to come away with a Champions League is incredible. She gave me belief and confidence and I will always be grateful for her.”
As Chloe Kelly prepares for Euro 2025, the focus remains on whether Arsenal can secure her signature on a permanent deal. With Kelly prioritizing the move and negotiations seemingly progressing positively, it appears increasingly likely that she will continue her career with the Gunners.
