Arsenal have hijacked Manchester United’s move for Chloe Kelly, with the England forward in discussions over a loan move until the end of the season.
On Wednesday evening Kelly released an astonishing statement in an attempt to push through a move away from Manchester City.
Kelly said her “mental well-being” was suffering as City “dictated” which club she could join in the January transfer window, which closes on Thursday.
She also said she would no longer “tolerate” someone’s “negative behaviour”, although she did not name that person.
Telegraph Sport first reported that United wanted to sign Kelly on loan and that the forward was keen on the move.
But City have always been reluctant to allow Kelly to join a rival, with United currently two points ahead of them in the Women’s Super League table.
The club were not keen on allowing Kelly to sign for Arsenal, who are also rivals, but that move is viewed as a better alternative than allowing her to join their Manchester neighbours.
Telegraph Sport understands Brighton also showed an interest but Kelly’s preference was to join a club competing for Europe.
The forward, who is out of contract this summer, has struggled for game time this season, starting only once in the WSL, against West Ham United in October, and making just six appearances in total.
Kelly scored the winning goal in England’s European Championship final triumph over Germany at Wembley in 2022, but Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has said that the forward’s lack of minutes for her club was a “concern”.
The forward knows regular football is a must if she is to secure a 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 manager Gareth Taylor has become fractured over the past 12 months.
