Chloe Kelly: Arsenal sign Manchester City and England forward on loan
2025-01-31
Category: sports

England forward Chloe Kelly has joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season after a rollercoaster January transfer window.The 27-year-old was the subject of heavy speculation throughout the month as she sought a move away from City.Rivals Manchester United had made an offer for the striker on deadline day but it was rejected by City before a loan agreement with Arsenal was struck.Kelly is ineligible to play on Sunday when City host Arsenal in the Women's Super League (WSL).On Wednesday, Kelly posted on Instagram that she wanted "to be happy again" and did not see her future at City beyond the summer.Her contract is due to expire in June but Kelly, who has made just one WSL start this season, was concerned about her place in the England squad with the 2025 European Championship taking place in July.She scored the winning goal against Germany when England created history by winning their first major women's tournament at Euro 2022.Kelly added on Wednesday: "With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country."However, to be dictated whom I can and can't join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career by my mental wellbeing."The situation has been dragged on for too long, it's disappointing and not right."Her only WSL start this season came against West Ham in October but she hopes to secure a place in the England squad with regular minutes at Arsenal. 
How a chaotic transfer saga unfolded
Kelly's intentions to leave Manchester City were well-known throughout January but it became an increasingly toxic stand-off between the England international and the club.In the hours leading up to Thursday's 23:00 GMT deadline, City received offers from WSL clubs Brighton and Manchester United which were not accepted.Sources at the club say one of those offers did not include an agreement to pay Kelly's wages until the end of the season.United's interest was first reported in the build-up to Manchester City's defeat in the derby at Etihad Stadium, with Kelly absent from the squad.Arsenal's offer came in late on Thursday and was accepted by City, with both parties keen to reach a resolution.Kelly's departure was not a smooth one after she claimed City were "dictating" who she could or could not join in her social media post on Wednesday.City did not comment publicly but will likely be relieved the saga is over, while Kelly's wish to leave in search of regular game time has finally been granted.Her place in the England squad remains under huge risk and she will need to compete for a place in Arsenal's squad to gain minutes before July.