Katie McCabe has agreed to join Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea on a free transfer when her contract with the Gunners expires next month.

Arsenal announced prior to the end of the Women's Super League season that McCabe would leave as a free agent following 11 years with the club.

McCabe won one WSL title, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Champions Cup with the Gunners, having joined from Shelbourne in 2015.

The Republic of Ireland captain made 178 WSL appearances during her time in north London, including 21 in 2025-26 – when Arsenal were runners-up to Manchester City.

But in 2026-27, she will represent a different capital club, having signed a three-year contract with Chelsea with an option for a further 12 months.

McCabe told Chelsea's website: "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 fanbase 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."

McCabe could yet serve as a replacement for current Blues left-back Niamh Charles, who has been linked with City, while Lucy Bronze is yet to confirm whether she will sign a new contact. 

Chelsea saw their six-year period of dominance over the WSL halted in 2025-26, when they finished six points behind champions City, in third.