Chloe Kelly Seals Permanent Arsenal Move After Champions League Glory

Chloe Kelly Back at Arsenal After Successful Loan Spell Ends in European Triumph

It’s official: Chloe Kelly is back in north London for good. After a rejuvenating loan spell with Arsenal that culminated in Champions League success, the England international has signed a permanent deal with the Gunners. It’s a homecoming steeped in sentiment, ambition, and timing — and a deal that feels right for all involved.

The 27-year-old winger returned to her childhood club in January, after finding minutes increasingly hard to come by at Manchester City. But what started as a temporary arrangement quickly evolved into something more meaningful. Kelly’s performances down the right flank were a spark for Arsenal’s late-season charge, and her impact in Europe especially helped tip the balance.

Now, Arsenal fans can look forward to seeing one of their own lead the line again — not as a loanee, but as a cornerstone of the club’s future.

From Fringe Player to Champions League Hero

Kelly

Kelly’s Manchester City exit was somewhat unexpected. Once a key figure at the club and the scorer of the decisive goal in England’s Euro 2022 final win over Germany, her role gradually diminished over the past year. A combination of tactical changes and injuries left her on the fringes, and, with an eye on the upcoming European Championships, she knew she needed a change of scenery.

That move came in the form of a loan to Arsenal, the club where her football journey began. Returning to Meadow Park in January, Kelly made an immediate impact. Her energy, confidence on the ball, and ability to create in one-on-one situations gave Arsenal the kind of wide threat they had been lacking.

And the results were telling: Arsenal marched through the knockout stages of the Champions League with Kelly heavily involved in their attacking sequences. Her composure in the final third and link-up play with Alessia Russo and Vivianne Miedema made her one of the standout performers as the Gunners lifted their first European title since 2007.

Chloe Kelly on Arsenal Return: “A Standout Moment”

Chloe Kelly England Women 2025

Speaking about her return to Arsenal, Kelly didn’t hide her emotions. “Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me,” she said. “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.”

For Kelly, this is more than a transfer. It’s a homecoming. The emotional bond she shares with the club was on full display during Arsenal’s Champions League campaign. Her determination to make the most of her second chance at the club is evident both in her words and her performances.

Slegers Pleased With “Impact Player”

Head coach Renee Slegers, who has overseen Arsenal’s strong finish to the season, was instrumental in getting the Kelly deal over the line. “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make Chloe a permanent signing for us,” Slegers said. “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.”

Kelly’s ability to seamlessly blend into Arsenal’s attacking patterns, while bringing experience and leadership to the dressing room, made her a logical signing for a side hoping to cement themselves as a domestic and European powerhouse.

Arsenal’s First Summer Signing

Kelly is Arsenal’s first major signing of the summer, a period that has otherwise been marked by departures. Defender Amanda Ilestedt, homegrown talent Teyah Goldie, and forward Lina Hurtig all left the club upon the expiration of their contracts. Hurtig has since signed for Fiorentina, where she will team up with Sweden teammates for this summer’s Euros.

But with Kelly secured, Arsenal have fired the starting pistol on their recruitment drive.

Her addition brings a mix of flair, experience, and hunger to a squad already rich in attacking options. The expectation now is that more big moves will follow, as Slegers looks to fine-tune a side that wants to challenge for every available trophy in 2025-26.

Chloe Kelly and the Road to the Euros

There’s more on the horizon for Kelly, too. Having reclaimed her spot in the England squad thanks to her strong second half of the season, she now turns her attention to the European Championships.

For a brief moment, it looked like she might miss out. Her lack of game time in Manchester had put her place in real jeopardy, despite her iconic goal in the Euro 2022 final. But the move to Arsenal changed everything.

England kick off their title defence on Saturday in a headline-grabbing clash with France. With Lauren Hemp and Lauren James in the squad, competition for places is fierce — but Kelly offers something unique: experience, a proven big-game temperament, and the confidence that comes from knowing she made the right move at the right time.

A New Chapter in North London

For Arsenal, the permanent signing of Chloe Kelly feels like more than just a smart piece of business. It’s a statement — a signal that the club is serious about building a side that can dominate for years to come.

For Kelly, it’s an opportunity to write a new chapter. After years of ups and downs, this is her chance to be a leading figure once again, at the club where it all began.

With her sights set on more trophies, both at club and international level, and her place once again secure in the England setup, Chloe Kelly’s footballing renaissance is well and truly underway.