Arsenal confirm talks to sign loanee forward permanently

Yahoo

2 days ago

Arsenal have confirmed talks are ongoing to keep Chloe Kelly at the club beyond the end of her loan from Manchester City, with her current deal there set to expire on 30 June.
The winger, who returned to north London in January, has spoken openly about how the move reignited her passion for the game.
Photo byChloe Kelly's second stint at Arsenal may yet become permanent, with the club confirming they are in discussions to sign the winger following the expiry of her loan deal from Manchester City.
Advertisement
The 27-year-old's contract with City also runs out at the end of June, paving the way for a free transfer should an agreement be reached.
Kelly's return to north London in January transformed both her season and, by her own admission, her state of mind. After struggling at City, the forward said her loan move 'helped me rediscover happiness' and spoke emotionally of how Renee Slegers and the Arsenal environment reignited her love for football.
'As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness,' she told reporters after starting the Champions League final in Lisbon, where Arsenal defeated Barcelona 1-0. 'Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. From being in such a dark place to now, it's crazy.'
Photo byArsenal's newly released retention list states confirms that 'discussions are ongoing' with Kelly.
Advertisement
While Arsenal are keen to keep her, Kelly herself has stopped short of committing publicly.
'Look, if it's my last game for the club, I'll forever be grateful,' she said. 'I know I've given my all to Arsenal Football Club and Arsenal Football Club has given their all to me. They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. It's not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.
'No, I was ready to take a break from football completely,' she admitted. 'I'm just grateful.'
Her comments underscore the broader culture cultivated so quickly at Arsenal under Slegers, and how far the club has come in rebuilding its identity since Jonas Eidevall departed.
Advertisement
Kelly's goal in her first game back – a 5-0 rout of Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates – set the tone for a run-in that culminated in European glory. Yet it was the bond with teammates and supporters that made the difference.
Photo by'I love them, they're flipping amazing,' she said of the fans. 'Whether at the Emirates, whether here in Lisbon, Villa Park when things weren't going to plan. They know exactly what we want and they're on that journey with us. They're the best fans that I've ever played in front of.'
Kelly also reflected on the personal journey that brought her back, recalling the early years in the Arsenal academy, where she trained with Lotte Wubben-Moy, Leah Williamson, and others who have since become the spine of the team.
Advertisement
'I was speaking to Lotte on the pitch after the game,' Kelly said. 'Me and Lotte used to get the underground to Finsbury Park, Finsbury Park to Potters Bar. Potters Bar, we used to get off and get a bus and get off at the M25 bridge and walk to the training ground. Looking back, it's been a journey. To do it with these girls is so good. Players that I've played with growing up, Leah, when I joined Arsenal when I was 12, it's amazing.'
With Kelly now approaching the peak years of her career, any permanent deal would be a massive boost for Arsenal.
Whether Kelly stays or goes, her impact this season has already proved profound. But Arsenal believe the story is not yet finished – and they are doing all they can to make sure it continues.