
Arsenal Snap Up Chloe Kelly on Loan Deal from City Rivals Manchester City
Arsenal Women have made a surprise move to snap up talented forward Chloe Kelly on a loan deal from their WSL rivals, Manchester City. The 22-year-old attacker has accrued significant experience in the top flight, making 64 appearances for Manchester City and scoring 16 goals.
Kelly’s rapid rise to prominence has seen her earn a call-up to the England national team, where she’s made a handful of appearances, including in the 2019 World Cup. Her pace, skill, and clinical finishing have proven a potent combination, leading many to predict a bright future for the young forward.
The loan deal is widely seen as a coup for Arsenal, particularly given the open-ended nature of the agreement, with Kelly set to remain at the Emirates Stadium for at least the remainder of the 2022-23 season. This move may signal a shift in the balance of power in the WSL, with Kelly bringing her skills and expertise to the Arsenal attack.
Kelly’s ability to adapt to the high-intensity, possession-based style of play favored by Jon Brough, Arsenal’s manager, will be crucial in the coming months. With the likes of Vivianne Miedema, Lisa Evans, and Sophie Querin, Kelly will be joining a strike force boasting an impressive array of talent and experience.
Graham: "Chloe is a fantastic player, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. Her ability to drive forward and create chances will be invaluable to us as we look to push for success in the WSL. The door is open for her to make a long-term impact in North London, but for now, we’re focusing on the short-term."
Manchester City fans, on the other hand, are left to ponder how they will fill the void left by Kelly’s departure. With the likes of Ellen White and Lauren Hemp, they still possess numerous attacking threats, although the prospect of losing a top-class player to a direct rival must sting.
For now, Kelly will have to adjust to a new environment at Arsenal, where the transition is often as much about adapting to new teammates as it is about settling in a new city. With her talent and experience, she’ll be expected to hit the ground running, contributing to the Gunners’ bid to usurp the coveted top spot in the WSL table.
The move serves as a significant coup for Arsenal, who bolster their attacking options just as they begin to ready themselves for the intense challenge of the upcoming WSL season. The competition will be fierce, but with Kelly’s addition, the Gunners now boast an extra layer of depth and skill to few in the league, setting them up for a promising 2022-23 campaign.