Chloe Kelly on Arsenal return, injury struggles and future goals

Chloe Kelly has described her return to Arsenal as a 'fear of the unknown' after a difficult spell at Manchester City, but the England forward is now focused on making an impact in the upcoming Women's Super League season.

From City exit to Arsenal homecoming

Kelly joined Arsenal in January 2025, ending a period of uncertainty at Manchester City where she had publicly expressed her desire to leave. The move brought her back to the club she represented as a junior. Reflecting on that time, she told BBC Sport: 'A bit of a fear of the unknown. I reflect on [the end of her City spell] as a dark moment but one of learning about myself.'

Since arriving, Kelly has won a Champions League and a Champions Cup with Arsenal, and played a key role in England's successful defence of the European Championships in summer 2025, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Spain.

Injury-hit season and summer reset

Last season, however, was less productive. Hampered by injury, Kelly started only four Women's Super League matches. 'I had big goals to do amazing things at Arsenal in my first full season and I was a little disappointed I wasn't able to,' she said. 'I think I needed this summer to work on myself physically, balancing working in the gym, on the pitch and getting downtime.'

Now fully fit, Kelly is eager for the new campaign, which begins on Friday, 4 September. 'I am in a really good place at the moment. My main goal is to stay fit and fresh all season and be ready when called upon,' she added.

Arsenal's summer overhaul

Arsenal have undergone significant changes this summer, with Beth Mead and Katie McCabe departing for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, while seven new signings have arrived. Among them are England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, and full-back Ona Batlle, a multiple Champions League winner from Barcelona.

Batlle, 27, has signed a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. 'I think this is the right place to be at the right time for me,' she said. 'This is the team that best fits the way I want to play. I do believe the WSL is the most competitive league and I wanted the new challenge. This was the perfect timing for me to join Arsenal and to try to win everything.'

Kelly's role in settling new arrivals

Kelly says she will help the new players settle in. 'I just try to be a good person, welcome the players and make sure they feel comfortable in our environment,' she said.

Looking ahead: World Cup on the horizon

With a World Cup in Brazil scheduled for next summer, Kelly is keeping her focus on the short term. 'My goals and assists are really important so I'll make sure I'm right at it,' she said. 'For me, I'll think about [the World Cup] closer to the time.'