Premier League Players Who Switched Between Chelsea and Arsenal

While it's still relatively rare, we have seen a number of players move between the Premier League's traditional "big six" clubs over the years. One of the more recent examples is Kepa Arrizabalaga making the switch from Chelsea.

In the past, players often thought twice before joining a direct rival. Loyalty played a much bigger role, with some stars spending most of their careers at one club—even when top teams came calling. But these days, it's becoming more common to see big names moving between the top sides, as loyalty sometimes takes a backseat to opportunity.

Even before Kepa made the switch to the Gunners, there had already been plenty of high-profile transfers between Chelsea and Arsenal. One of the most talked-about moves was that of Ashley Cole. A product of Arsenal’s youth academy, Cole played a key role in their success—winning two Premier League titles, including one as part of the legendary “Invincibles” squad.

So when he joined Chelsea in 2006, it sent shockwaves through the football world. It wasn’t just a big transfer—it was a controversial one. After all, he had been a fan favorite at Arsenal and a symbol of their success. But when Chelsea came calling, Cole didn’t hesitate. His decision to join a fierce rival sparked outrage among Gunners fans and remains one of the most debated transfers in Premier League history.

Since then, though, transfers between Premier League’s traditional “big six” clubs have become more common. 

In this article, let’s take a closer look at the players who have moved directly between Chelsea and Arsenal—two of London’s biggest and most competitive clubs.

List of players who moved from Arsenal to Chelsea

List of players who moved from Chelsea to Arsenal

Cover Credits - Sky Sports