The biggest deadline-day drama in the WSL was not Keira Walsh’s return to the league after three seasons at Barcelona, but Chloe Kelly’s return to Arsenal on loan.
The England international, who scored the winning goal at the Euros final, posted on Instagram to address rumours about her souring relationship with Manchester City over contract negotiations.
Kelly has struggled for minutes at the Sky Blue club, starting one WSL game all season against West Ham in early October, and took to social media the day before the transfer deadline to confirm that she did not see her future at City beyond the end of the season when her contract expires.
While City’s rivals Manchester United were interested in a permanent transfer, as were Brighton & Hove Albion, she returned to Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said: “Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad.
“She is direct and explosive, with huge natural talent and ability. We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as an Arsenal player in the coming month.”
Kelly’s motivations for seeking a move were a desire to fall back in love with the beautiful game, as well as get minutes under her belt ahead of England’s European Championship defence in Switzerland in July.
While a move was likely to occur as it was known she wanted to leave, the situation became a stand-off between the player and the club as January went on, in which Kelly claimed City were dictating who she could or could not join.
City did not comment publicly on her social media posts or the claims she made.
Kelly began her professional career as a member of the Arsenal academy and made 19 first-team appearances for the club between 2015 and 2018.
She made her full debut aged 17 for the Gunners in the Continental Cup on 23 July 2015 and scored her first goal just 22 minutes into her match.
Less than a year later, in February 2016, she signed her first senior contract, and described her return to Arsenal as a pursuit of happiness.
However, Kelly is ineligible to play against her parent team at the weekend as City hosts Arsenal in the WSL.
Securing the return of Kelly was not the only deadline-day deal the Gunners made.
They have loaned out Laura Wienroither to Manchester City after she featured only three times in all competitions this season.
Wienroither said: “[I’m] Grateful for the opportunity, I’m really happy to be here.
“I’m relieved everything is done now, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with people who trust and believe in me.
“I just hope I can give the trust back
“I’m excited to start and can’t wait to meet the team. When you can sign for a big club like City, I don’t think you have to think about it. At least, I didn’t.”
Arsenal made a more permanent deal when they signed US Women’s National Team (UWNT) star Jenna Nighswonger from Gotham FC.
Nighswonger has won 18 caps for the USWNT and was part of the team which won gold at the Paris Olympics last year.
Nighswonger said: “I’ve always wanted to play in England, and joining such a historic football club is a dream come true.
“I want to win trophies with this club and help the team in any way possible.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to call myself an Arsenal player, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Elsewhere in London, Crystal Palace signed Allysa Swaby from AC Milan on a permanent deal until June 2027, subject to international clearance.
She has played top-flight football in the USA, France, and Italy, and has earned 37 Caps for Jamaica.
Swaby said: “I’m super excited to be here. I’m looking forward to stepping onto the pitch with the team and just getting straight to work.”
Palace brought in Chelsea’s Aniek Nowen on loan as well.
She made over 100 appearances for PSV Eindhoven before moving to the Blues in 2021, but has only made 14 appearances for the reigning WSL champions so far.
Nowen scored in the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 qualifiers, played at the 2021 Olympics, and featured in the 2023 FIFA World Cup quarter-final for the Netherlands.
Palace head coach Laura Kaminski said: “She is a talented defender and will bring quality and experience to our squad.”
While Chelsea made previous headlines with their record signing of Naomi Girma, they have loaned out their left-back, Alejandra Bernabe, to Liverpool.
They also announced the signing of Femke Liefting, a 20-year-old goalkeeper from the Dutch side AZ Women, named the best goalkeeper for the World Cup U20.
Most notably for the Blues though, midfielder Walsh made a stunning last-minute move back to the club from Spain.
This came after Arsenal had shown significant interest in the Barcelona midfielder since the summer.
Walsh declined to extend her contract with the Spanish side because she wanted to be closer to her family.
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