Chloe Kelly Makes Major Decision on Arsenal Transfer

Lionesses Star Grants Gunners Exclusive Talks in Bid for Permanent Move

In a transfer window already brimming with intrigue, one of England’s brightest stars, Chloe Kelly, has taken a significant step toward defining her club future. The winger, who recently helped Arsenal Women lift the Champions League trophy, has reportedly granted the Gunners an exclusive window to negotiate a permanent deal—a move that signals her intent to continue her journey in North London.

While interest in the 26-year-old stretches beyond England’s borders—with clubs in both Europe and the United States monitoring the situation—Kelly has made it clear: Arsenal get first refusal.

What Happened: Arsenal Given Priority in Transfer Talks

According to a report by The Athletic, Chloe Kelly is in the final days of her contract with Manchester City, the club she joined in 2020 and with whom she has enjoyed significant domestic success. Her recent loan spell at Arsenal—a mid-season switch that ultimately culminated in Champions League glory—has reshaped the trajectory of her career.

Despite offers trickling in from top clubs across the globe, Chloe Kelly has instructed her representatives to prioritise Arsenal in all ongoing negotiations. The winger is currently discussing a three-year deal with the club, and while nothing is yet signed, the exclusivity period reflects mutual commitment between the player and Arsenal.

The agreement gives the North London side a head start before Chloe Kelly turns her attention elsewhere. Only if an agreement cannot be reached will she consider exploring options abroad, which reportedly include teams in the NWSL and top-tier European clubs.

The Bigger Picture: A Star Regains Her Spark at Arsenal

Chloe Kelly Arsenal Champions League fans pub 2025

For Chloe Kelly, the six-month spell at Arsenal represented more than just a temporary shift in kit—it was a personal renaissance.

Her time at Manchester City had grown increasingly turbulent. After battling through injuries and inconsistency, she found herself falling down the pecking order. In an emotional recent interview with Versus, Chloe Kelly revealed that before the Arsenal move, she had even considered taking a break from football altogether—a moment of reflection that might have marked the end of an elite playing career.

“It all happened so quickly,” Chloe Kelly admitted. “One minute I was thinking of taking a break from football, potentially a permanent one, and the next I was moving back down to London.”

From that moment on, her mindset began to shift. The familiarity of London life, coupled with the warm reception from manager Jonas Eidevall and her new teammates, sparked something she thought had been lost. “I got my smile back,” she continued. “I was learning again, loving the game again.”

The stats might not scream superstar—13 appearances, two goals, three assists—but anyone watching Chloe Kelly’s influence on the pitch knows those numbers only tell half the story. Her work rate, pressing intensity, and creativity helped redefine Arsenal’s attack during the most crucial period of the campaign.

Chloe Kelly on the Arsenal Experience: “It Was the Best Decision”

Reflecting on her loan spell, Chloe Kelly spoke candidly about the significance of her time with the Gunners.

“Even if we didn’t win the Champions League,” she told Versus, “it still would’ve been the best decision I could have made. But that win? That just made it unforgettable.”

That final against Barcelona, where Arsenal executed a tactical masterclass and Chloe Kelly played a pivotal role from the bench, was a defining moment—not only for the club but for Chloe Kelly herself. It served as vindication. She had not only found her place again but had also contributed to writing history.

Why Arsenal Want Her Permanently

From Arsenal’s perspective, making the deal permanent is a no-brainer.

Kelly’s experience, winning mentality, and versatility in attack make her a valuable asset in a squad brimming with talent. The likes of Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, and Caitlin Foord form a formidable forward line, but Chloe Kelly brings something different—directness, unpredictability, and a clutch mentality that was so evident during England’s Euro 2022 triumph.

The club’s ambition to remain among Europe’s elite demands a deep, adaptable squad, and Chloe Kelly’s familiarity with the system already gives her a head start. Furthermore, with Miedema departing and other players like Lina Hurtig facing uncertain futures, Chloe Kelly’s presence offers both stability and spark.

What’s Next for Chloe Kelly?

Chloe Kelly England Women 2025

As contract talks continue, Chloe Kelly is currently focused on international duty with Sarina Wiegman’s England squad, preparing for their Euro 2025 qualifiers. The Lionesses kick off their campaign against France on July 5, and Chloe Kelly is expected to play a key role.

She’s been a regular in the national setup and, despite her club struggles prior to joining Arsenal, has maintained the faith of Wiegman. Her performances in the red shirt of Arsenal have only strengthened her case for consistent starts.

Behind the scenes, her representatives are working to finalise a contract that would see her become a permanent Arsenal player by the start of the 2025–26 season. The deal, believed to be for three years, would keep her at the Emirates until 2028 and solidify her status as one of the club’s marquee players moving forward.

Arsenal’s Summer Outlook: Keeping Key Stars

Locking down Kelly is part of a wider strategy for Arsenal Women this summer. With the transfer market buzzing, the Gunners are working to retain their core squad while also exploring select reinforcements.

In addition to pursuing Kelly, the club is in talks with several players regarding contract extensions, and Eidevall is keen to build on the foundation laid during last season’s thrilling Champions League campaign. Sources around the club suggest that signing Kelly on a free transfer could allow them to allocate additional funds elsewhere, perhaps targeting a centre-back or defensive midfielder.

It’s a crucial summer for the Gunners, and locking in Chloe  Kelly would mark the first major move in what could be a transformative window.

Final Thoughts: A Star Reborn and a Club Recharged

Transfers aren’t always about stats or salaries. Sometimes, they’re about timing, trust, and rediscovery. For Chloe Kelly, this potential permanent move to Arsenal is all of the above.

It’s about being believed in when she almost didn’t believe in herself. It’s about finding a team where football once again feels joyful, not burdensome. And for Arsenal, it’s about investing in a player who has already proven her worth—not just with goals and assists, but with character and resolve.

If the deal goes through, Arsenal won’t just be signing a Champions League winner. They’ll be welcoming back a player who feels like she belongs.

And sometimes, that’s what makes all the difference.