Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe following her departure from Arsenal.
The 30-year-old left Arsenal after her contract expired, bringing an end to an outstanding 11-year spell in north London.
McCabe made 305 appearances for the club and established herself as one of Arsenal’s most influential players of the Women’s Super League era.
During her time with the Gunners, she helped the club win the WSL title in 2019, as well as the Champions League in 2025, the FA Cup, three League Cups and the Champions Cup.
McCabe, who can operate at full-back, wing-back, winger or centre-back, had been offered a late contract extension by Arsenal in April but chose to explore a new challenge.
Chelsea have tracked McCabe for several years.
They first tried to sign her in 2015 before she chose Arsenal, and reportedly returned with another approach in 2023 that was rejected.
This time, the Blues have beaten competition from WSL champions Manchester City to secure her signature.
Her move to Chelsea adds extra intrigue given the recent rivalry between the two clubs.
McCabe played a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea in April, a tie that included a flashpoint when Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor was sent off after protesting a hair-pull incident involving McCabe and Alyssa Thompson.
Chelsea’s players even joked about the incident during their World Sevens Series celebrations, with Thompson re-enacting the moment during the team’s entrance.
McCabe’s arrival strengthens a Chelsea squad still chasing a first Champions League title and looking to respond after missing out on the WSL crown last season.
Her addition could also impact Chelsea’s defensive plans, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested in Niamh Charles and Lucy Bronze yet to confirm whether she will extend her contract beyond this summer.
