'I needed this summer' - what next for Arsenal's Kelly?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that England forward Chloe Kelly is approaching Arsenal’s new season with renewed optimism after an injury-affected 2025-26 campaign. Kelly, who returned to the club in January 2025 after a difficult end to her time at Manchester City, said she had used the summer to rebuild physically and mentally, with a focus on staying available throughout the season.

Kelly’s move back to Arsenal initially brought quick impact: BBC Sport notes she scored twice, assisted five goals and helped the club win the Women’s Champions League after joining in the second half of the 2024-25 season. She then played a key role for England at the European Championship, including converting the decisive penalty in the final shootout against Spain. But her first full Arsenal season was disrupted by injury, limiting her to four Women’s Super League starts.

The report also places Kelly’s individual reset within a wider Arsenal rebuild. Long-serving players Beth Mead and Katie McCabe have left for WSL rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, while Arsenal have added seven players, including England midfielder Georgia Stanway from Bayern Munich and Spain defender Ona Batlle from Barcelona. Batlle told BBC Sport she sees Arsenal and the WSL as the right challenge after a trophy-laden spell in Spain.

Kelly said her immediate priorities are fitness, freshness and contributing goals and assists, rather than looking too far ahead to a possible World Cup in Brazil next summer if England qualify through the play-offs. Her form and availability matter for Arsenal as they chase domestic and European honours in a highly competitive WSL.