Katie McCabe signs for Chelsea: Republic of Ireland captain to swap Arsenal for WSL rivals
Katie McCabe has joined Chelsea after the expiry of her contract with Arsenal; McCabe made 305 appearances during an 11-year spell with Arsenal, helping them win the Champions League in 2025
Monday 1 June 2026 21:07, UK
Chelsea have signed Katie McCabe from Arsenal on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Blues, with the option of an additional year, after running down her Arsenal deal.
McCabe made 305 appearances during an 11-year spell with Arsenal, helping them win the Women's Super League in 2019 and the Champions League in 2025.
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McCabe said: "It's a new chapter in my career. This is something that I feel I'm ready for right now.
"I'm really excited to get going and show the Chelsea fans how ready I am to perform for the badge.
"I'm so looking forward to walking out at Stamford Bridge as a home player, being around the fan base and competing for trophies on all fronts.
"This club has been successful for so many years. I want to keep pushing and driving that, and for me, it's about bringing that success back to Chelsea."
It is understood McCabe had offers from Manchester City and the NWSL, but decided to remain in London.
McCabe was involved in a controversial incident against Chelsea this season, avoiding a red card for clearly pulling Alyssa Thompson's hair late in the Blues' meeting with Arsenal as they were knocked out of the Champions League.
Thompson and team-mate Ellie Carpenter mocked the incident during the World Sevens event last week, which Chelsea won.
McCabe ready for new challenge under Bompastor
Latest from Sky Sports' William Bitibiri:
After more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie McCabe has immense gratitude for the opportunities the Gunners gave her, and respect for the club she called home for so long.
However, McCabe has decided the time is right to move across London to Chelsea as she wants a new challenge and fresh environment.
The Blues made it clear how highly they regard McCabe, while Sonia Bompastor also played a significant role in coaxing her to the club.
McCabe felt her conversations with the Chelsea manager were incredibly positive, leaving her impressed by the club's vision and ambition.
McCabe also has a personal connection to Chelsea. Many of her family members support the club, while she also cites Damien Duff - the former Chelsea winger - as one of her inspirations.
Like McCabe, Duff is Irish, left-footed and wore the No 11.
