Kelly speaks out after move as Arsenal capitalise on City rift

Chloe Kelly’s deadline-day return to Arsenal came amid a storm of controversy, with the England star accusing Manchester City of blocking her preferred move and briefing against her in the media.

Now, she’s ready to prove a point in North London.

ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Chloe Kelly of Arsenal Ladies FC arrives at The New York Stadium ahead of the WSL Continental Cup Final between Arsenal Ladies FC and Notts County Ladies FC at The New York Stadium on November 1, 2015 in Rotherham, England. (Photo by Daniel Smith/Getty Images) — Photo by Daniel Smith/Getty Images

Chloe Kelly has returned to Arsenal, but not without controversy. The England international, who made her name at the club’s academy, sealed a dramatic deadline-day loan move from Manchester City, a move that came after weeks of frustration and allegations that City deliberately obstructed her exit.

Kelly’s departure from Manchester City has been anything but amicable. She accused the club of trying to “assassinate her character” and “plant negative stories” about her in the media, following City’s refusal to allow her to join Manchester United.

Kelly launches fierce broadside at City after sealing Arsenal loan The Daily Telegraph31 Jan 2025By Kathryn Batte Chloe Kelly launched a scathing attack on Manchester City and claimed the club were trying to “assassinate her character” after she sealed a dramatic deadline-day loan move to Arsenal. City prevented Kelly from joining Manchester United earlier yesterday, and in doing so allowed Arsenal to hijack the move for the England international with just hours remaining before the 11pm cut-off. But immediately after the loan, until the end of the season, was confirmed, Kelly issued a statement to hit out at what she claimed were “false accusations” against her. Posting on her Instagram story, Kelly wrote: “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, which are 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. I just want to find happiness again.” Telegraph Sport contacted Manchester City for a response, and Gareth Taylor, the City manager, is scheduled to speak at a press conference this afternoon. Kelly’s claims came after she posted an initial statement on social media on Wednesday evening in a bid to push through a move from City. Kelly said her “mental wellbeing” was suffering as City “dictated” which club she could join in the January transfer window. She also said she would no longer “tolerate” someone’s “nega tive behaviour”, although she did not specifically name that person. The forward eventually joined Arsenal on a temporary basis after City rejected multiple loan offers from Manchester United. Telegraph Sport first reported that United wanted to sign Kelly on a temporary basis and that the forward was keen on the move earlier this month. Kelly’s preference had been to stay in Manchester to be closer to her family, but she accepted a move to Arsenal, with whom she started her career. City were willing to accept the Arsenal bid and Kelly will now join them for the rest of the campaign. It is understood Arsenal will pay Kelly’s wages for that period. City have always been reluctant to allow Kelly to join a rival, and United are two points ahead of them in the Women’s Super League. Arsenal are also competing against City for a place in the Champions League, with the two clubs set to play each other in the WSL on Sunday. They will then face off again in the semi-final of the League Cup next week. Kelly will not be permitted to play against her parent club in either of those games. Brighton also showed an interest but Kelly she turned down that opportunity. The 27-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, has struggled for game time this season, starting only once in the WSL and making just six appearances. Kelly scored the winning goal in England’s European Championship final triumph over Germany at Wembley in 2022, but Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has admitted that her lack of minutes for her club is a “concern”. Kelly knows regular football is a must if she is to ensure her place in the England squad for Euro 2025. Kelly and City reached an impasse over new contract talks last year and it is understood her relationship with Taylor has become fractured. Kelly said on Wednesday: “A key lesson I have learnt in my life is that whilst I can’t control someone’s negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it. To be dictated whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well-being. The situation has dragged on for too long, it’s not right.” Article Name:Kelly launches fierce broadside at City after sealing Arsenal loan Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Kathryn Batte Start Page:5 End Page:5 — Kelly launches fierce broadside at City after sealing Arsenal loan. The Daily Telegraph31 Jan 2025 By Kathryn Batte

Kelly had been pushing for a move due to a lack of playing time under Gareth Taylor, having started just once in the Women’s Super League this season. However, instead of allowing her to join United, City accepted bids from Arsenal and Brighton, with Kelly ultimately choosing a return to north London.

The 27-year-old’s comments paint a picture of deep tensions behind the scenes at City. In a social media post, she wrote: “I just want to find happiness again,” highlighting the toll the saga had taken on her mental wellbeing. Her agent later revealed that journalists had tipped her off about City figures briefing against her, further exacerbating the fallout.

Kelly’s relief at escaping City Daily Mail1 Feb 2025TARA ANSON-WALSH CHLOE KELLY has found ‘solace’ by joining Arsenal on loan after the ‘trauma’ of her recent months at Manchester City, says her agent. The 27-year-old England midfielder left City on Thursday night, accusing the club of ‘assassinating’ her character and trying to ‘plant negative stories’ about her in the media. Kelly had been pushing for a move away after making only one league start for Gareth Taylor’s side this season and, with her contract expiring in the summer, she had hoped to join Manchester United. When that move did not materialise, Kelly accused City of dictating which club she could join. Mail Sport understands City accepted two offers that met their valuation of the Euro 2022 winner — one from Brighton and the other from Arsenal. Addressing Kelly’s claim that City had bad-mouthed her, her agent said last night: ‘She had been tipped off by three journalists that someone was trying to plant stories about her. ‘Chloe has spent four-and-a-half years at City and 99 per cent of her time at the club has been absolutely positive. ‘But there have been relationships that have become fractured over time, that have affected her, and that’s why she felt the need to have her voice heard.’ City manager Gareth Taylor said yesterday the breakdown between the club and Kelly was ‘really disappointing’. He added: ‘We never like to hear that a player has not had a good experience of being at the club. ‘We’re in a selection-based business, where difficult decisions have to be made, and sometimes players can fall on the sharp end of that.’ Meanwhile Chelsea have signed England midfielder Keira Walsh from Barcelona on a four-and-a-half-year deal. Article Name:Kelly’s relief at escaping City Publication:Daily Mail Author:TARA ANSON-WALSH Start Page:8 End Page:8 — Kelly’s relief at escaping City Daily Mail 1 Feb 2025 TARA ANSON-WALSH

For Arsenal, the deal represents a significant coup. Kelly, who scored the winner in England’s Euro 2022 final, will provide a much-needed attacking boost as Renee Slegers’ side push for Champions League qualification amid their other campaigns.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Chloe Kelly of Manchester City during The Adobe Women's FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Ipswich Town at Joie Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) — Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

However, she will be unable to play against her parent club when Arsenal face Manchester City in both the WSL this weekend and League Cup semi-final.

Speaking about her return, Kelly struck a more positive tone. “It’s amazing to be back,” she said. “I can’t wait to put on the shirt and represent this club again. I’ve got great memories here, and I’m ready for more success.

“I always learned to play the Arsenal way in the academy, so it’s a familiar way of playing. I think this club has always been so pivotal in getting women’s football where it is today.”

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