2 months ago
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Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Chloe Kelly following a successful loan spell in which the 27-year-old helped the club secure their first Women’s Champions League title in 18 years.
The winger initially joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City in January, following an acrimonious departure from the club.
She enjoyed an incredible return to form, memorably delivering two assists three minutes apart as Arsenal came from 2-0 down against Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final to win 3-2 in the second leg.
Kelly said: ‘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 that Arsenal supporters are the best and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me.’
Born in London, Kelly spent an eight-year spell with Arsenal’s academy from the age of 12, before moving to Everton in 2018.
Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Chloe Kelly following a successful loan
Kelly played an important role in Arsenal's first Champions League triumph in 18 years
Kelly is targeting more silverware at Arsenal and will hope to help England retain their Euros crown
Kelly joined Arsenal on loan from Man City after falling out of favour with boss Gareth Taylor
She then transferred to Manchester City in 2020, and enjoyed a five-year spell there, making 109 appearances and scoring 30 times. She lifted the FA Cup with the Citizens in 2019-20 and the League Cup in 2021-22.
Last season she fell out of favour with manager Gareth Taylor and was relegated to the bench, putting her place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad under threat.
Her move to Arsenal in January breathed a new lease of life into the winger, who will be immortalised for her winning goal against Germany in the Euros 2022 final, and she quickly found her rhythm under Renee Slegers.
Slegers even opted to start Kelly ahead of her Lioness teammate Beth Mead in Arsenal’s triumphant Champions League final against Barcelona.
The Dutch coach added: ‘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.’
Director of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley, 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.’
