Renee Slegers: Chloe Kelly 'understands the history' of Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers says Chloe Kelly is the perfect fit for the club after deadline day deal goes through.

The 27-year-old signed with the Gunners from Women's Super League rivals Manchester City in the final hour of the January transfer window and will remain at the club on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Kelly returns to north London for the first time in eight years, having represented the Arsenal academy from the age of 12.

Head coach Renee Slegers confirmed that Kelly "has been on the list for future planning" for a while, as the club prepared to make a deadline day offer.

"She's been at the club before, so she understands what Arsenal is," Slegers noted. "She understands the history of the club. She knows girls and staff members from before, so I think that's important that there is a link to the culture and what we want to do as a group and what we are part of."

The transfer was not without its drama, as Kelly took to social media to express her frustration with Manchester City's refusal to allow her to explore pastures anew.

"With my contract expiring in June I've accepted my future is not at this club beyond then. With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country," she wrote.

"However, to be dictated whom I can and can't join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental wellbeing. This situation has dragged on for too long, it's disappointing and not right."

Since taking the post at Arsenal, Slegers has been praised by countless players in the squad for her ability to bring the fun back to football. England captain Leah Williamson said: "I am so happy coming into work", whilst Beth Mead beamed: "There is a lot of laughter [at Arsenal] at the moment."

Many believe that the Dutch head coach will be the perfect leader for Kelly amidst the City fallout.

"I think I've said it before, but I think when you enjoy what you're doing, you get more out of yourself. From speaking to Chloe, I can tell that she's very motivated, and that's what she what she wants," Slegers added.

Despite what Gunners fans may be hoping, Kelly will be ineligible to play against her parent club this Sunday in the WSL. Fans will be made to wait for the forward's return to N5, with cup-tie regulations keeping her out of Arsenal's Subway Women's League Cup fixture with City next Thursday, and a fifth-round FA Cup tie with London City Lionesses the following weekend.