Which players crossed the North-South London divide? Discover the 6 players who played for both Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
Ian Wright might be the ultimate bridge between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, having achieved legendary status and broken goalscoring records at both clubs. But he is far from the only player to make the journey across the capital.
Over the years, the pathway connecting North and South London has seen it all: world-class fullbacks, cult-hero midfielders, and promising youngsters. Here is a look at 6 players who have represented both the Gunners and the Eagles.
1. Ashley Cole
- Arsenal: 1999-2006 (Apps: 228 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 22), Crystal Palace: 2000 (Loan) (Apps: 14 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 0)
Long before he became an Arsenal “Invincible” and arguably the greatest left-back in Premier League history, Ashley Cole needed to prove he was physically ready for senior football.
In early 2000, Arsène Wenger sent a teenage Cole on loan to Crystal Palace in the First Division (now the Championship). The loan was a massive success. Cole quickly adapted to the physicality of the men’s game, making 14 appearances and even scoring a crucial goal to help Palace avoid relegation.
He returned to North London that summer, breaking into the Arsenal first team the very next season.
2. Mathieu Flamini
- Arsenal: 2004-2008 & 2013-2016 (Apps: 246 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 11), Crystal Palace: 2016-2017 (Apps: 13 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
A true cult hero at the Emirates, Mathieu Flamini enjoyed two spells at Arsenal. The French midfielder was a part of the team that reached the 2006 Champions League Final and later returned to help the Gunners win back-to-back FA Cups.
After being released by Arsenal in 2016, Flamini made the short trip across London to join Crystal Palace on a free transfer. However, his time at Selhurst Park was brief and largely forgettable, hindered by injuries and a lack of match fitness. He made just 13 appearances in a single season before moving to Spain to join Getafe.
3. Emmanuel Adebayor
- Arsenal: 2006-2009 (Apps: 142 | Goals: 62 | Assists: 19), Crystal Palace: 2016 (Apps: 15 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 1)
Emmanuel Adebayor’s relationship with Arsenal fans is famously toxic, but there is no denying his impact during his time in North London. For a few seasons, the Togolese striker was one of the most lethal finishers in the Premier League, peaking with a 30-goal campaign in 2007/08 before his highly controversial move to Manchester City.
Years later, as his career wound down, Adebayor signed a six-month contract with Crystal Palace in January 2016. The Eagles hoped his veteran experience would keep them in the top flight. However, he scored just one Premier League goal for Palace before departing at the end of the season.
4. Eberechi Eze
- Arsenal: 2006-2011 (Youth Academy) & 2025-Present (Apps: 27 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 2), Crystal Palace: 2020-2025 (Apps: 147 | Goals: 34 | Assists: 23)
Eberechi Eze represents one of Arsenal’s biggest “what ifs” that finally turned into a fairy-tale homecoming. He spent five years in Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy.
Heartbreakingly, Arsenal released him at the age of 13, judging him to be too small and not physically ready. Eze used that rejection as fuel, grinding his way through the lower leagues before becoming a superstar at Crystal Palace.
After five incredible years at Selhurst Park, Arsenal righted their past mistake by bringing their former academy kid back home in August 2025 in a blockbuster £80 million transfer.
Taking the iconic number 10 shirt, Eze’s redemption arc was fully complete when he helped Mikel Arteta’s side secure the 2025/26 Premier League title.
5. Rob Holding
- Arsenal: 2016-2023 (Apps: 162 | Goals: 5 | Assists: 0), Crystal Palace: 2023-2025 (Apps: 1 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
Rob Holding spent seven years at Arsenal, arriving as an unknown youngster from Bolton. While he was never a permanent fixture in the starting XI, he became a cult figure for delivering immense performances in big games, notably helping Arsenal win two FA Cups against Chelsea.
In September 2023, seeking regular playing time, Holding made a permanent transfer to Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, his time in South London was a massive disappointment. Severely derailed by a devastating ankle injury and falling out of favor, he failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the Eagles.
After a brief loan spell at Sheffield United, Holding finally left Palace permanently in August 2025 to cross the Atlantic and join MLS side Colorado Rapids.
6. Eddie Nketiah
- Arsenal: 2017-2024 (Apps: 168 | Goals: 38 | Assists: 10), Crystal Palace: 2024-Present (Apps: 56 | Goals: 11 | Assists: 4)
Eddie Nketiah broke the long-standing goalscoring record for the England U21s (surpassing Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers) and provided several vital goals for the Gunners as a reliable deputy striker under Mikel Arteta.
However, realizing he needed to be the main focal point of an attack, Nketiah completed a permanent £30 million transfer to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024. Unfortunately, his time at Selhurst Park has been largely frustrating so far.
Nketiah has struggled to adapt, suffering through long goal droughts in the Premier League and often finding himself dropped to the bench in favor of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Other Players Who Played for Both Arsenal and Crystal Palace
| Player Name | Nationality | Arsenal Career | Crystal Palace Career |
| Ian Wright | England | 1991-1998 | 1985-1991 |
| Marouane Chamakh | Morocco | 2010-2013 | 2013-2016 |
| Yaya Sanogo | France | 2013-2017 | 2015 (Loan) |
| Albert Sambi Lokonga | Belgium | 2021-Present | 2023 (Loan) |
| Matt Turner | United States | 2022-2023 | 2024-2025 (Loan) |
| Andy Linighan | England | 1990-1997 | 1997-2000 |
| Eddie McGoldrick | Republic of Ireland | 1993-1996 | 1989-1993 |
| Matthew Upson | England | 1997-2003 | 2000 (Loan) |
| Stuart Taylor | England | 1997-2005 | 2000 (Loan) |
| Julian Gray | England | 1996-2000 | 2000-2004 |
| Tommy Black | England | 1998-2000 | 2000-2007 |
| Paul Dickov | Scotland | 1990-1996 | 2007 (Loan) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Did Ian Wright play for Crystal Palace before Arsenal?
A: Yes! In fact, Ian Wright is the most legendary connection between the two clubs. He started his professional career late at Crystal Palace, scoring 117 goals and becoming their “Player of the Century” before moving to Arsenal in 1991, where he eventually became the Gunners’ all-time top scorer (before Thierry Henry broke it).
Q: Why was Eberechi Eze released by Arsenal?
A: Eze was released at age 13 primarily due to concerns about his physical size and development at the time. Arsenal coaches felt he lacked the physical presence needed, a decision the club likely regrets given his current superstar status at Crystal Palace.
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