Top 17 players who played for both Chelsea and Arsenal: No.1 signing triggered a bitter lawsuit between two London clubs

Witnessing a star move between Stamford Bridge and the Emirates Stadium has become a recurring spectacle that defines the modern era of English football. At Livescore808, the data surrounding players who played for Chelsea and Arsenal reveals how such moves often ignite controversy while simultaneously delivering silverware.

Rather than just a change of scenery, these transfers represent a tactical exchange where one club's surplus often becomes another's vital solution. This analysis ranks the most prominent figures to have represented both the Blues and the Gunners, assessing their impact on the trophies and legacies of these prestigious institutions.

17 players who played for both Chelsea and Arsenal

17. Kepa Arrizabalaga

Joining the Gunners in a surprising summer move in 2025, this Spanish goalkeeper provided experienced cover after several seasons at Stamford Bridge. While his time at Chelsea saw him lift the Champions League trophy, his transition to North London was focused on reinforcing the squad's depth under Mikel Arteta.

Arrizabalaga brought a wealth of Premier League experience to the Emirates, representing a rare direct move for a modern goalkeeper between these two historic rivals.

16. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Few strikers had as explosive an impact in London as this Gabonese forward, who captained Arsenal to an FA Cup victory before eventually moving to West London. After a brief stint in Spain, he returned to the capital to lead the line for the Blues, but failed to show good form with only 3 goals in the 2022/23 season.

While his time at Stamford Bridge was shorter and less prolific than his legendary scoring run at the Emirates, Aubameyang remains a rare figure who spearheaded the attack for both clubs during the modern era.

15. Noni Madueke

The high-profile transfer of this dynamic winger in July 2025 marked a significant investment by Arsenal in young, English talent from their rivals. Having developed his professional reputation at Chelsea, Madueke made the move across London to bring pace and directness to the Gunners' wide positions.

His arrival was viewed as a strategic acquisition to strengthen the squad's attacking rotations, making him one of the most recent and exciting names to join this exclusive list.

14. Lassana Diarra

Often regarded as a tactical engine, this French midfielder was a youthful prospect at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho before seeking more regular football in North London. Although his stay at the Emirates was relatively brief, his technical ability and work rate were evident from the start.

Diarra eventually found greater success elsewhere, but his early years spent developing within the systems of both London giants provided the foundation for his successful career across Europe's top leagues.

13. Yossi Benayoun

Known for his exceptional vision and creativity, this Israeli playmaker enjoyed a loan spell with the Gunners while still being contracted to the Blues. He became a useful asset for both teams, often providing crucial goals and assists in tight European fixtures.

Benayoun was a rare player who maintained a high level of respect from both fanbases, primarily due to his professionalism and ability to impact games coming off the bench.

12. Raheem Sterling

This decorated English winger made a significant impact across both clubs, bringing a wealth of domestic titles to the London rivalry. After joining Chelsea to lead their new era, he eventually found his way to the Emirates to provide veteran leadership and tactical flexibility in the final third.

Sterling is one of the few modern players to have represented several members of the "Big Six," and his ability to contribute goals and assists from the wing proved invaluable for both West and North London squads.

11. Willian

Willian spent seven trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge, where he became a key figure in multiple Premier League title victories. His move to North London in 2020 was a highly discussed free transfer aimed at bringing veteran leadership to a young squad.

While his single season at the Emirates did not reach the heights of his Chelsea peak, his overall contribution to London football as a creative Brazilian winger remains an important chapter in this rivalry.

10. Jorginho

History will note that this Italian midfield orchestrator arrived at the Emirates in early 2023 to provide elite composure during a high-stakes title race. Having previously captained Chelsea and secured a Champions League title, he brought a winning mentality to North London.

Jorginho recently concluded his successful stint with the Gunners, departing as a player whose tactical intelligence was deeply appreciated by both fanbases during different phases of his decorated Premier League journey.

9. Kai Havertz

Havertz famously scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final before making a blockbuster move to the Emirates Stadium in 2023. Initially scrutinized for his price tag, he eventually found his rhythm as a versatile forward who excelled in aerial duels and clever off-the-ball movement.

His ability to lead the line for both clubs in high-stakes matches has solidified his reputation as a modern big-game specialist in the Premier League.

8. David Luiz

This charismatic Brazilian defender enjoyed two successful spells at Stamford Bridge, winning every major domestic and European honor available. In 2019, he made a shock deadline-day switch to North London to bring ball-playing ability to the Gunners' defense.

Luiz remained a polarizing but impactful figure, eventually helping Arsenal secure the FA Cup in 2020, which further cemented his unique status as a trophy winner for both London powerhouses.

7. Emmanuel Petit

Recognized as a powerhouse in the heart of the midfield, this Frenchman was a central figure in Arsenal's legendary 1998 Double-winning campaign. After a stint abroad, he returned to London to anchor the midfield for Chelsea during the early 2000s.

Petit brought a rare blend of physical strength and technical elegance to both clubs, ensuring that the defensive transitions for both the Blues and the Gunners remained stable during his respective tenures in the capital.

6. Nicolas Anelka

A teenage sensation at Highbury, this clinical forward was a vital part of the 1998 Double-winning squad before his career path led him back to London years later. Rejoining the capital with the Blues, he won the Golden Boot and a Premier League title, proving his longevity.

Anelka possessed a rare blend of pace and technical finishing that allowed him to thrive as a centerpiece for both attacking units across a decade of competition.

5. Olivier Giroud

Giroud served the Gunners with distinction for over five years, scoring over 100 goals and becoming a three-time FA Cup winner. His subsequent move to Chelsea only enhanced his legendary status, as he became the top scorer in their 2019 Europa League victory and won the Champions League in 2021. Especielly was his opening goal in the 2019 Europa League final, against the former club Arsenal.

Known for his aerial prowess and elite hold-up play, the Frenchman remains one of the most successful and well-liked strikers to have crossed the divide.

4. William Gallas

The inclusion of this French defender on the list is forever linked to the controversial swap deal involving Ashley Cole in 2006. After winning two league titles with the Blues, he moved to North London where he eventually became the club captain.

Gallas was a fierce competitor who provided a goal-scoring threat from center-back, and he remains the only player to have played for Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur in the modern era.

3. Petr Cech

Cech is widely considered the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history, having spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge and winning 13 major trophies.

His move to the Emirates in 2015 was a rare instance of a club legend being allowed to join a direct rival. In North London, he continued to display world-class shot-stopping abilities and won another FA Cup, eventually retiring as a respected figure across the entire footballing community.

2. Cesc Fabregas

Midfield mastery reached new heights through this Spanish playmaker, who captained Arsenal as a youth prodigy before returning to London to win the league with Chelsea. His ability to find gaps in the opposition defense made him a record-breaking assist provider for both clubs.

Fabregas remains a unique bridge in the rivalry, representing the technical peak of the Wenger era and the tactical efficiency of the Mourinho and Conte regimes.

1. Ashley Cole

Cole stands at the top of this list as the most successful and high-profile player to ever make the direct switch between these rivals. As a product of the Arsenal academy and a member of the Invincibles, his move to West London in 2006 caused a massive stir. Arsenal sued Chelsea for illegally approaching a player, and the Blues were fined £300,000.

At Chelsea, he became arguably the best left-back in the world, winning numerous trophies including the Champions League. His defensive excellence and trophy-laden career across both clubs make him the ultimate bridge in this historic London rivalry.

17 players who played for both Chelsea and Arsenal:

1. Ashley Cole (Arsenal: 1999–2006; Chelsea: 2006–2014)

2. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal: 2003–2011; Chelsea: 2014–2019)

3. Petr Cech (Chelsea: 2004–2015; Arsenal: 2015–2019)

4. William Gallas (Chelsea: 2001–2006; Arsenal: 2006–2010)

5. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal: 2012–2018; Chelsea: 2018–2021)

6. Nicolas Anelka (Arsenal: 1997–1999; Chelsea: 2008–2012)

7. Emmanuel Petit (Arsenal: 1997–2000; Chelsea: 2001–2004)

8. David Luiz (Chelsea: 2011–2014, 2016–2019; Arsenal: 2019–2021)

9. Kai Havertz (Chelsea: 2020–2023; Arsenal: 2023–present)

10. Jorginho (Chelsea: 2018–2023; Arsenal: 2023–2025)

11. Willian (Chelsea: 2013–2020; Arsenal: 2020–2021)

12. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea: 2022–2026; Arsenal: 2024–2025, on loan)

13. Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea: 2010–2013; Arsenal: 2011–2012)

14. Lassana Diarra (Chelsea: 2005–2007; Arsenal: 2007–2008)

15. Noni Madueke (Chelsea: 2023–2025; Arsenal: 2025–present)

16. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal: 2018–2022; Chelsea: 2022–2023)

17. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea: 2018–2025; Arsenal: 2025–present)

The frequent movement of players who played for Chelsea and Arsenal has turned this local rivalry into a shared history of elite achievement. Whether seeking a new challenge or a career revival, every individual on this list brought a specific set of skills that enriched the narratives of both clubs.

These transfers remain a high-stakes event that captures the imagination of the global community, ensuring the bond between these fierce rivals stays central to Premier League drama.

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