Unveil the 6 players who played for both Arsenal and Bournemouth in the Premier League, including Aaron Ramsdale, Jack Wilshere, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The connection between North London’s Arsenal and South Coast side AFC Bournemouth has seen several notable players cross the divide during the Premier League era. From Hale End wonderkids looking to rebuild their careers to high-profile goalkeepers proving their doubters wrong, both the Gunners and the Cherries have shared some fascinating talents.
Based on these parameters, exactly 6 players have officially represented both Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth on the pitch.
(Note: A player must have made at least one official first-team appearance for both clubs. Because of this rule, players like Christopher Wreh – who spent time at Bournemouth in 2000 but never featured in a senior competitive match for them – have been excluded).
1. Jack Wilshere
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Arsenal: 2008-2017 (Apps: 169 | Goals: 12 | Assists: 22) | AFC Bournemouth: 2016-2020 (Apps: 43 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 3)
Bursting out of the Hale End academy, Jack Wilshere was widely regarded as the future of English football. With his free-flowing style, he became a fan favorite at the Emirates – highlighted by a legendary midfield masterclass against a prime Barcelona side at just 19 years old. However, severe and recurring ankle injuries tragically derailed his sky-high trajectory.
Desperate for playing time and match fitness, Wilshere made a surprise loan move to Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth for the 2016-2017 season. He enjoyed a productive spell at the Vitality Stadium, pulling the strings in midfield and helping the Cherries secure a top-half finish.
He later returned to Bournemouth on a short-term permanent deal in 2020, though his physical struggles prevented him from recapturing his early-career magic.
2. Aaron Ramsdale
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AFC Bournemouth: 2016-2019 (Apps: 37 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 1) | Arsenal: 2021-2024 (Apps: 89 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
Aaron Ramsdale began his top-flight journey on the South Coast, joining Bournemouth from Sheffield United for a modest fee of around £1 million. He eventually broke into the first team during the 2019-2020 campaign. Despite the club suffering relegation that season, Ramsdale’s stellar reflexes and shot-stopping ability made him a standout performer.
After a brief return to Sheffield, Arsenal came knocking in 2021 with a massive £24 million bid (rising to £30m). The transfer was initially met with heavy skepticism from the Arsenal fanbase, who doubted his pedigree.
Ramsdale quickly silenced his critics, using his elite distribution and passionate leadership to become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s tactical rebuild. He was instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenges before eventually losing his starting spot to David Raya.
3. Kepa Arrizabalaga
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AFC Bournemouth: 2024 (Apps: 35 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Arsenal: 2025 (Apps: 11 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
Carrying the heavy burden of being the world’s most expensive goalkeeper following his €80 million move to Chelsea in 2018, Kepa’s career in England was a rollercoaster of lost confidence and intense media scrutiny.
Seeking a fresh start, he joined Bournemouth on loan in 2024. He found much-needed stability at the Vitality Stadium, making 35 appearances and providing a calming, experienced presence for the Cherries.
His solid resurgence on the South Coast caught the attention of Arsenal. In 2025, Kepa made a surprise switch to North London to serve as a backup option to support Arteta’s squad rotation in cup competitions.
4. Neto
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AFC Bournemouth: 2022-2024 (Apps: 63 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Arsenal: 2024 (Apps: 1 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
The Brazilian shot-stopper arrived at Bournemouth on a free transfer from Barcelona, bringing a wealth of European pedigree to the South Coast. He immediately justified the hype, establishing himself as the undisputed number one and eventually earning the club captaincy.
In a surprising deadline-day twist in the summer of 2024, Arsenal secured his services on loan to provide experienced cover, though his playing time at the Emirates was limited to a single appearance.
5. Ryan Garry
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Arsenal: 2002 (Apps: 1 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | AFC Bournemouth: 2007-2010 (Apps: 77 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 0)
A highly-rated Arsenal academy product, Garry made his first-team debut in 2002 with expectations of becoming a long-term defensive option. Tragically, severe shin splints sidelined him for nearly four years, completely destroying his Arsenal dreams.
After being released, he found a footballing lifeline at Bournemouth. He rebuilt his career and became a regular fixture in their defense, making 77 appearances before another injury forced him into early retirement at just 27.
6. Vince Bartram
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AFC Bournemouth: 1992-1993 (Apps: 86 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0) | Arsenal: 1994 (Apps: 11 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0)
The fourth goalkeeper on the list of players who played for both Arsenal and Bournemouth.
Bartram made his name as a highly reliable shot-stopper for Bournemouth in the early 90s, racking up 86 appearances and becoming a fan favorite. His excellent form caught the eye of Arsenal, who purchased him for £400,000 to serve as the primary understudy to the legendary David Seaman.
Given Seaman’s absolute dominance between the sticks, Bartram’s first-team opportunities at Highbury were naturally limited.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arsenal and Bournemouth players
Q: Which goalkeepers have played for both Arsenal and Bournemouth?
A: Interestingly, four out of the six players on this list, i.e. Aaron Ramsdale, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Neto, and Vince Bartram, are goalkeepers.
Q: Who has played the most combined games for both clubs?
A: Jack Wilshere, playing a total of 212 matches across his spells with both Arsenal and Bournemouth.
Q: Did Aaron Ramsdale win any trophies with Arsenal?
A: Ramsdale was a key part of the squad that challenged for the Premier League title and won the FA Community Shield.
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