'I Needed This Summer' — Chloe Kelly Eyes Fresh Start as Arsenal Chase WSL Glory

Chloe Kelly wears many hats. Lionesses icon, fashion trailblazer, Baller League coach, and Arsenal title-chaser — the England forward has no shortage of pursuits keeping her occupied. Yet the self-assurance she projects on the pitch and in front of cameras has masked harder moments behind the scenes.

Her move to Arsenal in January 2025 brought an end to a challenging period at Manchester City, where she had felt compelled to publicly express her desire to leave. Returning to the club she represented as a junior, now under head coach Renee Slegers, brought its own uncertainties.

"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," Kelly told BBC Sport during a summer visit to Arsenal's training ground, where she was dressed in the red-and-white kit she first wore at the age of 12.

From Uncertainty to European Glory

Eighteen months after that January transfer, Kelly has established herself as a Champions League and Champions Cup winner. She made an immediate impact at Arsenal in the second half of the 2024-25 season, recording two goals and five assists while helping the club secure a second Women's Champions League title.

That summer, she played an instrumental role as England retained the European Championships, scoring the title-winning penalty in a shootout against Spain. Her celebrations have become iconic — from the shirt-twirling moment after her Euro 2022 final goal to the shrug of the shoulders after netting against Italy in the 2025 semi-finals.

Yet Kelly insists that outward confidence does not tell the full story. "In moments where I'm confident, I'll show it, but that's not always the case," she said. "In other moments, I need a little arm around the shoulder."

Injury Struggles and a Summer of Rebuilding

The following season proved more challenging. Limited by injury, Kelly started only four times in the Women's Super League, falling short of the ambitions she had set for her first full campaign at Arsenal.

"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 admitted. "I think I needed this summer to work on myself physically, balancing working in the gym, on the pitch and getting downtime."

Now, with the new WSL campaign set to kick off on Friday, 4 September, Kelly says she is in a strong position. "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."

A potential World Cup in Brazil next summer adds further motivation, provided England navigate the play-offs this autumn. Kelly, however, is keeping her attention firmly on the present. "My goals and assists are really important so I'll make sure I'm right at it," she added. "For me, I'll think about [the World Cup] closer to the time."

Arsenal Reinforce for Title Push

Arsenal have undergone significant squad changes this summer. Club stalwarts Beth Mead and Katie McCabe departed for title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, while seven new signings have already arrived.

Among the marquee additions is England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Another high-profile arrival is Ona Batlle, the former Manchester United full-back who won multiple Champions League titles during a successful spell at Barcelona.

Batlle, 27, has signed a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. After collecting 11 trophies in three years in Spain, she is hungry for more. "I think this is the right place to be at the right time for me," Batlle 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 plans to help the new arrivals settle into the squad, embracing their cultures and making them feel welcome. But once training is done, her priorities are simple. "I'm not really a social butterfly outside of training — I like going home and seeing my family and my dogs!" she said.

As Arsenal prepare to launch their latest title pursuit with a reshaped squad and a revitalised Kelly, the upcoming WSL season promises plenty of intrigue. Will the Gunners' new-look roster gel quickly enough to mount a serious challenge? Share this article and let us know your thoughts on Arsenal's chances this season.

Source: BBC Sport