Chloe Kelly makes major decision on Arsenal transfer as interesting detail emerges on contract talks

Kelly joined Arsenal on loan last season from Manchester City and went on to win the Champions League with the Gunners. The Lionesses star is now in talks to join the club permanently after her City contract expires at the end of the month. According to The Athletic, Kelly has interest from clubs in Europe and the United States but, interestingly, "has granted Arsenal a period of exclusivity." The winger has told her camp to give Arsenal first refusal in contract talks as discussions continue over a three-year deal.

The hope is that Kelly will be able to reach an agreement to join Arsenal permanently on a free transfer. The Lionesses star will only look at other clubs if a compromise with the Gunners can't be found. Kelly played 13 times for Arsenal last season after her move, scoring twice and contributing three assists.

Kelly has spoken about how moving to Arsenal was the "best decision" in a new interview. She told Versus: "It all happened so quickly. 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 the moment I arrived at the club though, I knew it was the right move for me. I got my smile back. I was learning again, loving the game again. Even if we didn’t win the Champions League, it still would’ve been the best decision I could have made. But that win? That just made it unforgettable."

Kelly is currently on international duty with England ahead of Euro 2025. The Lionsses start their campaign with a clash against France on July 5.