Arsenal Women have sealed the deadline day loan signing of Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly.

The 27-year-old forward will spend the remainder of the 2024/25 season with Arsenal, the club she began her senior career with at the age of 17.

On Wednesday, Kelly posted on Instagram of her frustration over a lack of game time at City, and their reluctance to let her leave the club.

After reported interest from Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, the West-London born winger has returned to Arsenal on loan, having left the Gunners in 2018 to join Everton.

It's a loan deal that makes sense for all parties- Arsenal need depth out wide, Chloe Kelly has openly expressed she needs to play football away from Manchester City in the lead-up to Euro 2025. Good business all round

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) January 30, 2025

Kelly scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, and has been capped 48 times for England.

The move has benefits for both parties, with Kelly desperate for regular football in the run-up to this summer’s Euros in Switzerland, and Arsenal lacking depth out wide.

Kelly becomes the second Arsenal player to arrive in January, joining fellow deadline day signing Jenna Nighswonger, who signed on a permanent deal from Gotham City.

Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad as we approach the second half of the season. 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.”

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 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 will wear the number 18 shirt.

North Londons ?’ing https://t.co/LqX8SDlHk9

— Chloe (@chloekelly) January 30, 2025

After her loan departure was confirmed, Kelly has released a further statement on social media: 

"So disappointed to find out tonight that people at the club are briefing journalists against me if I am to sign at a club before the window shuts.

"They've called reporters to assassinate my character and tried to plant negative stories about me in the football media.

"Of which is false accusations

"Women should look after each other, and build each other up... not shoot them down to protect their employers. To those responsible, I am disappointed in this

"As said in my previous statement I just want to find happiness again."