Chloe Kelly is back! Arsenal complete permanent signing of Lionesses star after successful loan spell ended in Champions League glory

Lionesses star Chloe Kelly has signed for Arsenal permanently after a successful loan spell with the Gunners that ended in Champions League glory.

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kelly spent the second half of the 2024-25 season with the north London club, whose ranks she came through as a young girl. The winger had found herself out of favour at Manchester City, a situation that also led to her losing her spot in the England squad. However, a fruitful few months back in the capital saw Kelly rediscover her form as she played a key part in Arsenal's European triumph and she has now joined the club on a permanent deal, following the expiration of her contract in Manchester.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That increased game time also paid dividends for Kelly on the international front, allowing her to regain her place in the Lionesses squad ahead of this summer's European Championships. For a while, it looked like a lack of minutes could well cost the 27-year-old her spot, just three years on from her title-winning goal in the final against Germany. But her form with Arsenal changed all of that for the better.

• WHAT KELLY SAID

  “Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me," Kelly said upon the announcement of her permanent return to the Gunners. “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."

  Head coach Renee Slegers added: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make Chloe a permanent signing for us. 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.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kelly is Arsenal's first signing of the summer window. The Gunners' transfer activity to this point instead concerned the release of players, with defender Amanda Ilestedt, academy product Teyah Goldie and forward Lina Hurtig all leaving the club upon the expiry of their contracts. Hurtig, who will represent Sweden at the Euros this summer alongside Ilestedt, has since signed for Fiorentina.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KELLY?

  Kelly's focus will now be on the Euros, which kick off on Wednesday. England's first game is on Saturday, as the Lionesses begin their European title defence in a blockbuster clash with France.