Katie McCabe set to join Chelsea after Arsenal departure in 2026

Irish defender Katie McCabe will leave Arsenal after 11 years to join Chelsea following a successful spell at the London club.

Republic of Ireland praise McCabe Carla Ward, the manager of the Republic of Ireland women's team, has praised Katie McCabe as a world-class player who would strengthen any squad. Ward emphasized McCabe's versatility and excellence during her remarks about the defender's upcoming move from Arsenal to Chelsea. While avoiding direct comments on Chelsea specifically, she described McCabe as an outstanding left-back with no rival in her position. The Irish manager highlighted McCabe's consistent presence in every WSL Team of the Year selection the previous season. ## Arsenal career highlights Katie McCabe concluded an 11-year tenure at Arsenal after her contract expired, leaving as one of the club's most decorated players in Women's Super League history. Having joined Arsenal in 2015, she played a pivotal role in the team's success, including winning the league title in 2019. McCabe was instrumental in Arsenal's historic Champions League victory in 2025 and their triumph in FIFA's Champions Cup the following summer. Her contributions solidified her legacy as a key figure in the WSL era. ## Chelsea secure McCabe's signature Chelsea emerged victorious in the race to sign Katie McCabe, beating competition from Manchester City for the left-back's services. The move sees McCabe transition from Arsenal to Chelsea, continuing her top-level career in London. McCabe's announcement at Chelsea coincides with her upcoming captaincy duties for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands and France. ## Ward's glowing assessment Carla Ward reiterated her high opinion of Katie McCabe, stating, 'I've said it a lot, she's the best left-back in the world. There's no question about it.' Ward added that McCabe's inclusion in every WSL Team of the Year selection underscored her elite status. The Irish manager concluded that McCabe would be a valuable addition to any club, emphasizing that any team would consider themselves fortunate to have her.