McCabe has spent the last nine years at Chelsea's WSL rivals Arsenal. Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty ImagesJune 1, 2026 6:22 am EDT Updated Katie McCabe is set to sign for Chelsea after the expiry of her contract with Arsenal.The 30-year-old was offered a late contract renewal by Arsenal in April but turned it down, according to sources familiar with the matter.In April, The Athletic reported Manchester City were pursuing left-back McCabe but that the Republic of Ireland international had also attracted interest from Chelsea, sources said.However, City are set to sign England left-back Niamh Charles from Chelsea, with McCabe all but confirmed to sign with the eight-time WSL champions. McCabe felt valued by Chelsea and was attracted by the club’s ambition to return to the top of the WSL, according to sources.Charles is set to join WSL champions City (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)For Chelsea, the acquisition of a natural left-footer like McCabe is considered a valuable signing. Chelsea have held long-term interest in McCabe, who is also a childhood fan of the west London club.
Chelsea made an approach to sign McCabe from Shelbourne in 2015 but she opted to join Arsenal. They reportedly attempted again in 2023.McCabe made 305 appearances during an 11-year spell with Arsenal, helping them win the WSL in 2019. She was an integral part of Arsenal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals this season, playing across the back line and even in midfield while registering some of the highest creative numbers in Europe.McCabe did not attend Arsenal’s parade on Sunday to celebrate their Champions Cup win in February, as well as the men’s team’s first Premier League in 22 years.
