Every Player Who Played for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League – Ranked

July 15, 2025 Oliver Obel

From Stamford Bridge to the Emirates and back again, these 15 players have worn both red and blue in the Premier League era.
Some were stars, others short-lived squad options, but all have left their imprint on one of English football’s fiercest cross-city rivalries. Here’s how they stack up – ranked from least to most influential.

15. Raheem Sterling

Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 with high expectations, but only showed glimpses of his former brilliance. A 2024 loan to Arsenal ended in disappointment, as he failed to score in 17 league games and returned to West London shortly after.

14. Yossi Benayoun

Benayoun was more effective at Arsenal than Chelsea despite spending less time there. Injuries limited his impact at Stamford Bridge, but during a loan spell at Arsenal in 2011/12, he chipped in with crucial goals and assists.

13. Lassana Diarra

Diarra was a promising young midfielder who couldn’t break through at either club. He featured briefly for both before finding success elsewhere, most notably at Real Madrid following a stint at Portsmouth.

12. Willian

Willian was a fan favourite at Chelsea, combining flair and work rate across seven years and winning two Premier League titles. But his Arsenal spell was short and uninspiring, ending with the Brazilian requesting to terminate his contract after just one season.

11. William Gallas

A key figure in Chelsea’s early Abramovich years, Gallas won league titles and was a defensive stalwart. His switch to Arsenal, part of the infamous Ashley Cole deal, saw him eventually become captain, but controversy and inconsistency marred his time there.

10. Kai Havertz

Havertz’s Chelsea career peaked with his Champions League-winning goal in 2021, but fans were left wanting more. Since moving to Arsenal, he’s rediscovered form as a versatile forward, outscoring his Chelsea tally in fewer games.

9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang was electric at Arsenal, winning the Golden Boot and captaining the side. His Chelsea stint was a brief and forgettable chapter, featuring only one league goal and little impact.

8. David Luiz

David Luiz gave Chelsea fans memorable moments in defence and midfield, including a heroic Champions League final performance. At Arsenal, he showed flashes of quality but was also a liability, collecting red cards and defensive errors.

7. Jorginho

Jorginho was a steady midfield presence at Chelsea, winning the Champions League and earning UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award in 2021. At Arsenal, he brought calm and leadership before leaving in 2025 after a solid two-year run.

6. Olivier Giroud

Giroud quietly became a cult hero at both clubs. After scoring over 70 league goals for Arsenal, he joined Chelsea and contributed key goals en route to Champions League and Europa League triumphs.

5. Emmanuel Petit

Petit formed a formidable midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira at Arsenal, helping the club to a league and cup double. He later returned to London with Chelsea, impressing before injuries curtailed his final season.

4. Nicolas Anelka

Anelka was a teenage prodigy at Arsenal, but matured into a lethal forward at Chelsea. He won the Golden Boot in 2008/09 and formed a devastating partnership with Didier Drogba, cementing his place in Blues folklore.

3. Petr Cech

Peter Cech — Photo: Andrew Will / Shutterstock.com

A Premier League legend, Cech was at his peak during his Chelsea years, setting clean sheet records and winning multiple titles. Even at Arsenal, past his best, he remained dependable and added another Golden Glove to his collection.

2. Cesc Fàbregas

Cesc Fabregas — Rui Alexandre Araujo / Shutterstock.com

Fàbregas lit up Arsenal’s midfield in his youth, becoming club captain and fan favourite. His controversial move to Chelsea was followed by a title-winning renaissance, including a stunning 18-assist debut campaign.

1. Ashley Cole

Cole was world-class for both clubs, playing pivotal roles in Arsenal’s Invincibles season and Chelsea’s dominant 2010s. Though his move caused fury among Gunners fans, his performances at both ends of London were undeniably elite.