Will Kelly move? Your WSL deadline day questions answered

Before the transfer window closes on January 30th, there is still time to add women’s Super League teams to their squads.

As we near Thursday’s 23: 00 GMT deadline, BBC Sport’s women’s football news reporter Emma Sanders has been answering your questions.

Emma, I have the same information as it did a few weeks ago regarding Chloe Kelly’s future. I think Kelly still has a lot of interest in moving, and that means she wants game time to make the England squad for Euro 2025.

With their current injuries, it may be too risky to let her leave Manchester City because they were always reluctant to lose her to a WSL rival, making a loan move more difficult. Although I’m not aware of any changes to that aspect, I’m keeping an eye on it closely.

Given that United has a lot of potential for her, would Kelly joining Manchester United even make sense?

Emma, I’ve never been informed that United is interested in Kelly. However, I agree – United have plenty of attacking options and I don’t see the benefit for either party.

Robin: I think a great move for Chloe would be Brighton. She’s got Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby there, they’d link up well and she’d get the minutes she needs. Do you agree?

Emma, I agree with Robin and that sources who had inquired about Chloe Kelly’s situation at the beginning of the month said Brighton were among the clubs. However, I don’t believe anything transpired from that.

Adam: Could Arsenal look into moving for Keira Walsh, or will they wait until Barcelona can let her leave on a free transfer before doing so?

Lucy, would it be possible for Arsenal to take action before the window was even up?

Emma: We anticipate Arsenal to make an announcement regarding the signing of US defender Jenna Nighswonger for a fee that ranges from £80 to £500. Other than that, I am not aware of any other incomings. Although we anticipate a relatively quiet Arsenal environment, I wouldn’t rule out a late move from them if they unexpectedly learn that a target is available sooner than anticipated.

Katie: Should Arsenal have done more this transfer window?

Leah, do you anticipate any new arrivals for Villa now that a new manager has been chosen, or even some more money?

Riley: What do Chelsea need in addition to Naomi Girma?

Emma, I believe Chelsea are content with their starting lineup. Due to Sophie Ingle’s recent absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, they have been looking at defensive midfielders for a while. However, I don’t know of any signings that are imminent. Naomi Girma is their top-rated target, and they have been conducting intensive negotiations for contract renewal.

Lucy: Will Eve Perisset leave Chelsea?

Emma Perisset has been linked with a move away and was not in the squad for Arsenal’s defeat on Sunday. It’s important to keep an eye on that situation.

Joe: Are there any updates on Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert and Kadeisha Buchanan’s contracts?

Toby, can Nikki Doucet, the club’s chief executive, address the growing budgetary gap? The WSL is dealing with a lot of it. Unfortunately, it’s no coincidence Chelsea is at the top and Palace is at the bottom.

Emma: It’s definitely a conversation that is being had by the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited and club representatives. The current Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria are frustrating for many clubs in the WSL, which I am aware of. To be eligible for a GBE visa, foreign players entering the league must earn a minimum of five points.

However, the market is smaller and the best clubs typically emerge as the top clubs because a number of players are unable to meet the WSL’s high standards. That could be addressed, in my opinion, and it might encourage clubs in the lower league to sign up and bring in new talent from abroad. For instance, how many times have they appeared for their country’s team.

Sarah: Have Leicester made any progress in transfers? They appear to have made no progress in addressing their biggest missing piece with the absence of a striker and a frontline that is seriously injured.

Geoff: Are Manchester United looking to add strength? The signing of Kayla Rendell is fantastic. Do you believe there is a way to strike a midfielder or another striker?

Violet: What do you think of West Ham’s transfer window? Although they’ve had two contract extensions – which is good in the long term – they have only signed one player (so far) and put one on loan (again).