England forward, Chloe Kelly has completed a loan move from Manchester City to Arsenal until the end of the season, ending a dramatic January transfer window.
Chloe Kelly, 27, had been at the center of intense speculation throughout the month as she pushed for a move away from City.
On transfer deadline day, Manchester United made a bid for the striker, but City rejected it before agreeing on a loan deal with Arsenal.
However, Kelly won’t be available for Arsenal’s next Women’s Super League (WSL) match against City on Sunday.
Earlier this week, the Euro 2022 winner expressed her frustration on Instagram, stating that she wanted to “be happy again” and no longer saw her future at City beyond the summer.
Her contract expires in June, and with the 2025 European Championship approaching, she was worried about her place in the England squad, having made just one WSL start this season.
Kelly, who scored England’s winning goal against Germany in the Euro 2022 final, emphasized the importance of playing regularly before the Euros.
She also voiced her frustration over City’s handling of her transfer, claiming the club was “dictating” where she could move.
“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,” Kelly said on Wednesday.
“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 by my mental wellbeing. The situation has been dragged on for too long, it’s disappointing and not right.”
The standoff between Kelly and City lasted all month, with the club rejecting offers from Brighton and Manchester United.
One of those bids reportedly did not include a full agreement to cover her wages for the rest of the season.
United’s interest in Kelly first surfaced before their derby win over City at the Etihad, where she was notably absent from the squad.
As the deadline neared, Arsenal made a late approach, which City eventually accepted, putting an end to the transfer drama.
Though City has remained silent on the matter, they will likely be relieved to move on.
Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly will now focus on earning game time at Arsenal to secure her place in England’s squad for the Euros.
KanyiDaily also reported that Manchester City captain, Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season.