The intense rivalry between Chelsea and Arsenal football clubs is a testament to the passion, skill, and drama that define the beautiful game.
Amidst the heated battles on the pitch and the fervent loyalty of supporters, there exists a unique class of players who have left an outstanding mark on both sides of London’s football divide, transcending club loyalties.
As we delve into the rich history of football, we come across a select group of individuals whose journeys have intertwined with the storied histories of both Chelsea and Arsenal. From iconic strikers to commanding defenders, these players have not only showcased their talent on the pitch but have also become integral threads in the tapestry of the Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry.
Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the careers and legacies of these footballers who have donned the colours of both Chelsea and Arsenal, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends club allegiances and embodies the true spirit of the beautiful game.
Here is the list of players who have played for both Arsenal and Chelsea;
David Luiz
Willian
Ashley Cole
William Gallas
Olivier Giroud
Petr Cech
Cesc Fabregas
Nicolas Anelka
Lassana Diarra
Yossi Benayoun
Emmanuel Petit
(1) David Luiz
The Brazilian completed his move from West London to North London during the summer transfer window of 2019. His time at Stamford Bridge saw him win the title, Champions League, two Europa Leagues, and two FA Cups while he won the FA Cup with Arsenal
(2) Willian
The Brazilian also completed his move from Chelsea to Arsenal during the summer of 2020 during Frank Lampard’s first spell as the manager of the Blues.
(3) William Gallas
Gallas was at Stamford Bridge for five seasons, he won two Premier League trophies before switching to north London during the summer transfer window of 2006, as part of a deal that saw Ashley Cole go in the other direction.
(4) Olivier Giroud:
The forward player won three FA Cups with Arsenal during his five and a half seasons at the Emirates. He scored 73 Premier League goals in 180 games before a move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day in 2018.
(5) Petr Cech:
Cech spent 15 seasons in the Premier League, eleven of those came while playing for the Blues. He made 494 appearances for Chelsea winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League. He then moved to the Emirates and won another FA Cup, while also losing League Cup and Europa League finals.
(6) Cesc Fabregas:
The Spanish player joined the Gunners as a teenager and enjoyed eight seasons with the club before moving to Barcelona in 2011. Fabregas was back in the Premier League three seasons later with Chelsea during the summer of 2014 where he played for four and a half seasons and won two league titles.
(7) Nicolas Anelka:
Arsene Wenger signed Anelka as a 17-year-old from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer of 1997 for £500,000 and he went on to score 23 Premier League goals in 65 games. He later joined in 1999 for a transfer fee of £22.3 million.
He signed for Chelsea in 2008, scored 59 goals in 125 games and helped his side to the Premier League and two FA Cups.
(8) Lassana Diarra:
Diarra signed for Chelsea during the summer of 2005 and struggled to get much game time behind Claude Makelele. He made just 31 appearances before being sold to Arsenal on transfer deadline day during the summer of 2007.
(9) Youssi Benayoun:
The midfielder was signed for £5.5million by Chelsea from Liverpool in 2010 but could not break into the first team in his three seasons at the club. He made 24 appearances in all competitions and was loaned to Arsenal during the middle of this spell.
(10) Emmanuel Petit:
The France World Cup winner enjoyed a successful spell at Arsenal after signing in 1997, helping them to a league and FA Cup double in his first season.
Petit spent a season at Barcelona before moving to Chelsea in 2001 where he spent the remaining three seasons of his career.
(11) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:
The forward player is the latest player to having played for both Arsenal and Chelsea. He joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund during the summer of 2018 before moving to Barcelona on the deadline day of the January transfer window of 2022. The Gabonese joined Chelsea on the deadline day of the summer transfer window in 2022.
(12) Jorginho:
The Italian is the latest player to jump ship from the Blue side of London to the Red side of the City. He joined the Gunners during the 2023 January transfer window for a transfer fee of £12 million.
(13) Kai Havertz:
The German International is the latest player to continue to tradition of top footballers to play for both Chelsea and Arsenal. He completed his move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. He scored the winning goal that won Chelsea the UEFA Champions League, the Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup for the Blues.
