Arsenal’s accepted offer ended not only a turbulent transfer window but a turbulent time for the Manchester City winger, following several declined offers and public statements.
Statements from social media
Kelly’s caption to her social media post, published moments after the 11pm news broke on Thursday that the Manchester City winger would be moving to North London, encapsulated what the transfer meant to her: a “Pursuit of happiness”.
This echoed a social media statement Kelly had released a day prior, which expressed her frustration that Manchester City had “dictated whom she can and can’t join”. While Kelly stated that her target is to compete with the Lionesses at Euro 2025, the player concluded her Instagram statement with: “Ultimately, I just want to be happy again.”
Manchester City fans will fondly remember all of the special moments Kelly has had while adorning the blue and white shirt, however the strong words of which Kelly released in two separate statements - including the more recent which accused her former club of “calling reporters to assassinate her character”- will leave an uneasy feeling within them that Kelly’s time at City wasn’t entirely an unproblematic tenure.
While Kelly was a regular starter and has played a vital role across City’s recent campaigns, this has changed since the start of the 24/25 season with Kelly only starting one WSL match to date.
Consistently impressive displays on the flanks from Australian international Mary Fowler and summer signing Aoba Fujino, alongside impactful substitutions of midfielders Jess Park and Laura Blindkilde Brown, have caused Kelly to regularly occupy the bench.
Rumours had previously circulated that there may had been a ‘falling out’ between Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor and Kelly, however Taylor had previously commented that this was untrue.
The boss’ most recent allusion to the subject came on Friday morning where the manager said: “Difficult decisions have to be made for the betterment of the team, and sometimes people and players can fall on the sharp end of that.”
Therefore, it is uncertain whether there was in fact a disagreement between the two parties - and whether this was due to Kelly not getting the minutes she desired - or that her departure was simply a necessary decision for Kelly in order to gain more game time.
What is certain however is that Kelly’s statements demonstrated her intent to secure a transfer, with the Manchester City winger departing on tense terms with her former club.
The confirmation on Instagram of her loan deal was acknowledged in as little as a single sentence from the club, which excluded any gratitude or well wishes: “Chloe Kelly has joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.”
All of these factors point to a very low likelihood that the England winger would sign a new contract with the Citizens at the conclusion of her short-term deal with Arsenal. This means she'll be a free agent over the Summer.
Offers and agreements
It appeared on Wednesday evening that Kelly’s preferred transfer was to Manchester United, although it was soon confirmed that Manchester City would not accept an offer from their local rivals.
Manchester United were not the only side to put in an offer for the Manchester City player, with fellow WSL club Brighton also looking to secure the signing of Kelly. Neither club were willing to pay Kelly’s wages as part of their offers however, and despite Manchester City accepting Brighton’s offer, Kelly declined.
Several journalists reported the reason was because of the player’s desire to remain in Manchester, as she was settled in the city and wished to not relocate.
Manchester City’s reluctance to break Kelly’s contract three months before its end to allow her to join the Red Devils meant the uncertainty surrounding a deadline day move continued into the evening. Meanwhile, reports suggested Manchester United were not being encouraged but could put forward another offer.
It was Arsenal however who sent the bid for a loan deal, with Manchester City accepting the offer before the closure of the window.
Brief from the bosses
Manchester City Women’s team manager Taylor responded to questions about Kelly’s social media statements and departure last Friday morning.
The City boss explained it was “really disappointing” to have the transfer saga between Kelly and the club end the way it did.
“We never like to hear a player has not had a good experience of being at a club…
I don’t live in that world of social media, as any head coach would tell you it’s not good for your health.”
Recently appointed Arsenal manager Renee Slegers was also asked to comment on the signing of Kelly, with the Dutchwoman not wishing to comment on the transfer saga and instead expressing the club’s excitement at Kelly’s arrival.
“We are convinced that she will come to Arsenal to contribute. We see her qualities and we know her ambitions”, said Slegers to Hayters TV.
Kelly’s competition
While Kelly’s move to the capital will surely offer her chances to feature in the WSL, Arsenal’s array of talented players means the winger will have to compete for her spot.
Although for some Manchester City fans it will be disappointing Kelly chose not to remain at the club and fight her way back into the starting lineup, her move to Arsenal will present the player with new competition.
While Fujinho and Fowler are the typical starters on the wing for City this season, Arsenal tend to vary their attacking options. Beth Mead has started consistently on the right wing however, the position which Kelly will look to occupy in a bid to secure a spot in the Lionesses squad for Euro 2025.
Mead’s excellent build-up play and service to teammates, along with a strong eye for goal, seemingly differs from Kelly’s abilities. The former Manchester City winger conversely offers pace, intricate dribbling and threatening crosses.
With this, Slegers will certainly look to accommodate Kelly, even more so due to her Arsenal side still competing in all four competitions.
Arsenal’s new signing is ineligible to compete in either cup fixture this week due to being registered previously with Manchester City. Kelly will, however, have the chance to feature in the WSL and UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter finals.
Therefore, Arsenal fans can certainly look forward to Kelly’s return to the pitch in red and white in the coming weeks.
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