Chloe Kelly: Arsenal beat Manchester United to late deadline day deal for Lionesses star | OneFootball

Gunners secure loan for England winger to follow move for USA defender Jenna Nighswonger

Arsenal Women have signed England winger Chloe Kelly on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.

Kelly completed her move late on Thursday night, just before the transfer window shut for Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs.

Brighton and Manchester United were also interested in Kelly, who wants more game time ahead of Euro 2025 this summer, but Arsenal won the race for her signature.

“Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad as we approach the second half of the season,” said Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers.

“She’s direct and explosive, with huge natural talent and ability. We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as an Arsenal player in the coming months.”

Kelly began her career at Arsenal, joining them as a 12-year-old back in 2010. She went on to make 19 appearances for the first team, scoring nine goals, before joining Everton in 2018.

Kelly has become a regular for England - famously scoring the winner in the final of Euro 2022 against Germany at Wembley - and she has seven goals in 48 total appearances for the Lionesses.

Arsenal’s director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Chloe back to Arsenal.

“As an academy graduate, we’ve been proud to see the career she’s gone on to enjoy, both at club and international level. We’re delighted she’ll be representing Arsenal again as we aim to compete for honours this season.”

Kelly was Arsenal’s second signing of transfer deadline day as they also completed a move for USA full-back Jenna Nighswonger.

The 24-year-old joined from US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Gotham FC and has a growing reputation.

She was the 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year and helped the USA win gold at the Paris Olympics last summer.

Nighswonger’s arrival paved the way for Laura Wienroither to join Manchester City on loan for the rest of this season.

The defender had slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal this term and the club were willing to let her go in search of more games.