Arsenal Football Club has officially secured the services of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for a reported Ksh748.7 million, marking the second major signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.
The Spaniard will be the 14th player to play for both London rival football clubs in the premier, with iconic names involved in some of the most shocking transfers in football history.
Players Who’ve Played for Both Arsenal and Chelsea
Ashley Cole
Arsenal (1999–2006) → Chelsea (2006–2014)
Arguably the most controversial switch of all, Ashley Cole was a product of Arsenal’s academy and a key member of their “Invincibles” squad.
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His 2006 move to Chelsea, amid tapping-up allegations, earned him the nickname “Cashley” from furious Arsenal fans. At Chelsea, Cole cemented his legacy as one of the best left-backs of his generation, winning numerous domestic and European honors.
Cesc Fàbregas
Arsenal (2003–2011) → Chelsea (2014–2019)
A former Arsenal captain and fan favourite, Fàbregas returned to the Premier League with Chelsea after a stint at Barcelona. His decision not to rejoin Arsenal led to mixed reactions from Gunners supporters. At Chelsea, he was instrumental in their Premier League title wins under José Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
Olivier Giroud
Arsenal (2012–2018) → Chelsea (2018–2021)
Giroud was a consistent scorer for Arsenal before joining Chelsea in a deadline-day move. Though often used as a rotation player at Stamford Bridge, he played a key role in Chelsea’s 2019 Europa League win—scoring against Arsenal in the final—and their 2021 Champions League triumph.
David Luiz
Chelsea (2011–2014, 2016–2019) → Arsenal (2019–2021)
Known for his flair and unpredictability, David Luiz switched blue for red in a surprising move in 2019. While his time at Arsenal was mixed, he brought experience and leadership to a young side under Mikel Arteta.
William Gallas
Chelsea (2001–2006) → Arsenal (2006–2010)
As part of the deal that sent Ashley Cole to Chelsea, Gallas moved to Arsenal and eventually became captain. His leadership style at Arsenal and emotional reactions, particularly during the 2008 Birmingham game, divided opinion among fans.
Nicolas Anelka
Arsenal (1997–1999) → Chelsea (2008–2012)
Anelka burst onto the scene at Arsenal as a teenage prodigy before moving to Real Madrid. Nearly a decade later, he returned to London with Chelsea, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2009 and contributing to Chelsea’s domestic success.
Petr Čech
Chelsea (2004–2015) → Arsenal (2015–2019)
A Chelsea legend and one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, Čech moved to Arsenal seeking regular game time. Though he didn’t replicate his Chelsea success, he remained a respected figure until his retirement.
Emmanuel Petit
Arsenal (1997–2000) → Chelsea (2001–2004)
The World Cup-winning French midfielder was part of Arsène Wenger’s 1998 double-winning team. After a brief spell at Barcelona, he returned to London with Chelsea, though his impact was less pronounced.
Lassana Diarra
Chelsea (2005–2007) → Arsenal (2007)
Diarra had brief spells at both clubs early in his career. Though he showed promise, he never fully settled in either team before moving on to Portsmouth and later Real Madrid.
Yossi Benayoun
Chelsea (2010–2013) → Arsenal (loan, 2011–2012)
The Israeli midfielder spent one season on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea. Though not a regular starter, he played a useful squad role and scored some key goals.
Arsenal’s Objectives with Kepa
Arsenal are looking to find a suitable backup for David Raya after loaned-out Neto returned to Bournemouth.
Kepa brings over 140 Premier League appearances, plus Champions League experience, making him a strong and seasoned deputy.
Willian
Arsenal 2020–2021 ← Chelsea 2013–2020
Willian was a consistent and effective wide man at Chelsea, known for his dribbling, set pieces, and work rate. After leaving Stamford Bridge on a free transfer, he joined Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. His debut looked promising, assisting twice, but he struggled with form and fitness throughout his sole season in North London.
He mutually terminated his contract early in 2021, returning to Brazil (Corinthians) before coming back to the Premier League with Fulham.
Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal 2018–2022 → Chelsea 2022–2023
At Arsenal, Aubameyang was electric. He won the Premier League Golden Boot (2018–19), captained the team to an FA Cup win in 2020, and was one of the league’s top scorers. However, disciplinary issues and a fallout with Arteta led to his contract being terminated.
After a short stint at Barcelona, he surprisingly returned to London with Chelsea under then-manager Thomas Tuchel. But Tuchel was sacked shortly after his arrival, and Aubameyang never found form under Graham Potter or Frank Lampard.
Jorginho
Arsenal 2023–present ← Chelsea 2018–2023
Jorginho was a polarizing figure at Chelsea. Signed by Maurizio Sarri, he eventually became a mainstay under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel. He helped Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League and was a key player in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph — finishing 3rd in the Ballon d’Or voting the same year.
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In January 2023, he made a surprise switch to Arsenal for £12 million. His intelligence, passing range, and calmness in midfield added valuable depth to Arteta’s young squad. Though not a starter every week, he’s had several influential performances, especially in big games.
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