Chloe Kelly has granted Arsenal a period of exclusivity as talks continue over the possibility of her signing for them on a permanent basis.
Kelly moved to the north London club on loan from Manchester City in January and it proved a successful switch as the 27-year-old winger helped Arsenal win the Champions League.
Her contract with City expires at the end of this month and suitors from the Women’s Super League (WSL), elsewhere in Europe and the United States have all registered an interest.
But Kelly has instructed her representatives to give Arsenal first refusal in negotiations and they are working to reach an agreement for the England international to join as a free agent.
The discussions currently centre on a potential three-year term and only if a compromise cannot be found will she entertain other teams.
There is a high level of mutual respect between Kelly and Arsenal — where her senior career started — and this has helped create a willingness on both sides to strike a deal.
Kelly made just one league start for City last season. At Arsenal she made 13 appearances, six league starts, scoring two and assisting six goals.
(Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
