Danny Welbeck’s move to Stamford Bridge in August 2026 has brought fresh attention to the long list of players who have represented both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Despite the rivalry between west and north London, moving between the two clubs is no longer unusual. Remaining in the capital can suit a player’s family, while Chelsea and Arsenal have repeatedly valued Premier League experience over supporter sentiment.
This article covers male players who made at least one senior competitive appearance for both clubs from the beginning of the Premier League era in 1992/93. Under that definition, 17 players have completed the double. Welbeck has signed for Chelsea but, with no competitive appearance at the time of this update, he will become the 18th only when he makes his debut.
Statistics below are senior competitive totals in all competitions and were updated on 6 September 2026.
1. Petr Cech
- Arsenal: 2015–2019 (Apps: 139 | Goals: 0)
- Chelsea: 2004–2015 (Apps: 494 | Goals: 0)
Petr Cech built his defining legacy at Stamford Bridge. Across 11 seasons, the goalkeeper won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League, while becoming Chelsea’s record holder for clean sheets.
After Thibaut Courtois became Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, Cech joined Arsenal for around £10 million in 2015. He won the Premier League Golden Glove in his first season and later lifted the FA Cup. His final professional appearance came against Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League final.
2. Willian
- Arsenal: 2020–2021 (Apps: 37 | Goals: 1)
- Chelsea: 2013–2020 (Apps: 339 | Goals: 63)
Willian spent seven productive seasons at Chelsea after famously appearing close to joining Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian winger won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League, while his free kicks and defensive work made him a favourite of several managers.
He moved to Arsenal on a free transfer in 2020 after the clubs could not agree the length of a new Chelsea contract. Willian supplied two assists on his Arsenal debut, but that promising start did not last. His contract was terminated by mutual consent after one season.
3. Raheem Sterling
- Arsenal: 2024–2025, loan (Apps: 28 | Goals: 1)
- Chelsea: 2022–2026 (Apps: 81 | Goals: 19)
Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 as one of the first major signings under the club’s new ownership. He produced occasional reminders of his best form, but constant managerial changes and an unsettled squad made consistency difficult.
Arsenal took Sterling on loan for the 2024/25 season to add experience and depth to their attack. He remained a squad player, scoring once in 28 appearances, and the move was not made permanent. Sterling later left Chelsea by mutual agreement in January 2026.
4. Noni Madueke
- Arsenal: 2025–Present (Apps: 43 | Goals: 8)
- Chelsea: 2023–2025 (Apps: 92 | Goals: 20)
Noni Madueke developed at Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur before moving abroad and establishing himself with PSV Eindhoven. Chelsea brought him back to England in January 2023 as part of their drive to recruit young players with high resale potential.
Madueke moved directly from Chelsea to Arsenal in July 2025. The transfer initially divided Arsenal supporters, but his direct dribbling, ability to cover both wings and eight goals in his first campaign helped him win over much of the fanbase.
5. Jorginho
- Arsenal: 2023–2025 (Apps: 79 | Goals: 2)
- Chelsea: 2018–2023 (Apps: 213 | Goals: 29)
Jorginho was the metronome of Chelsea’s midfield and played a central role in the club’s 2021 Champions League triumph. By January 2023, however, Chelsea were rebuilding around younger players and the midfielder had entered the final months of his contract.
Arsenal needed midfield cover during a title challenge and completed a deadline-day deal worth up to £12 million. Jorginho was never signed as a long-term starter, but his calm distribution and tactical intelligence made him a useful senior figure before he left for Flamengo in 2025.
6. Kai Havertz
- Arsenal: 2023–Present (Apps: 111 | Goals: 36)
- Chelsea: 2020–2023 (Apps: 139 | Goals: 32)
Kai Havertz will always have a special place in Chelsea history after scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final. Yet the German was used in several positions and rarely found a settled role during three turbulent seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal paid £65 million for Havertz in 2023. After an uncertain beginning, Mikel Arteta increasingly used him as a centre-forward, where his movement, aerial presence and pressing produced a stronger flow of goals.
7. Olivier Giroud
- Arsenal: 2012–2018 (Apps: 253 | Goals: 105)
- Chelsea: 2018–2021 (Apps: 119 | Goals: 39)
Olivier Giroud was a dependable target man for Arsenal, scoring 105 goals and contributing to three FA Cup wins. He was sometimes criticised for not being prolific enough to lead a title-winning side, but his link play and spectacular finishing gave Arsenal a different attacking option.
The arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped push Giroud towards Chelsea in January 2018. He soon became a reliable cup performer for the Blues, most memorably scoring against Arsenal in the 2019 Europa League final. Giroud later added the Champions League to his collection before joining AC Milan.
8. Cesc Fàbregas
- Arsenal: 2003–2011 (Apps: 303 | Goals: 57)
- Chelsea: 2014–2019 (Apps: 198 | Goals: 22)
Cesc Fàbregas arrived from Barcelona’s academy as a teenager and became the creative heart of Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal. He was appointed captain at 21 before eventually returning to Barcelona in 2011.
When Fàbregas became available again in 2014, Arsenal chose not to activate their option to bring him back. Chelsea moved quickly, and his partnership with Diego Costa powered José Mourinho’s side to the Premier League title in his first season. He won another league title in 2016/17.
9. Ashley Cole
- Arsenal: 1999–2006 (Apps: 228 | Goals: 9)
- Chelsea: 2006–2014 (Apps: 338 | Goals: 7)
Ashley Cole graduated from Arsenal’s academy and developed into one of the finest left-backs of his generation. He won two league titles with the Gunners and was an important member of the 2003/04 Invincibles.
A bitter contract dispute preceded his move to Chelsea in 2006, with William Gallas travelling in the opposite direction. Cole then made 338 appearances for the Blues and won every major domestic honour as well as the Champions League and Europa League.
10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Arsenal: 2018–2022 (Apps: 163 | Goals: 92)
- Chelsea: 2022–2023 (Apps: 21 | Goals: 3)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was an immediate success at Arsenal. His pace and finishing carried the attack through a difficult period, and his two goals against Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final delivered Mikel Arteta’s first trophy as Arsenal manager.
After disciplinary issues ended his Arsenal career, Aubameyang joined Barcelona and returned to London with Chelsea only six months later. Thomas Tuchel was dismissed days after the striker’s debut, leaving the reunion without its intended manager. Aubameyang scored three times in 21 appearances before departing for Marseille.
11. Danny Welbeck — signed, awaiting his Chelsea debut
- Arsenal: 2014–2019 (Apps: 126 | Goals: 32)
- Chelsea: 2026–Present (Apps: 0 | Goals: 0)
Danny Welbeck completed a surprise move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea in August 2026. The official Chelsea profile confirms that the experienced forward signed a two-year contract after making 400 Premier League appearances across his career.
Welbeck previously joined Arsenal from Manchester United on deadline day in 2014. He scored memorable goals against Manchester United in the FA Cup and Leicester City in the Premier League, although serious knee injuries repeatedly interrupted his five seasons in north London.
His Chelsea signing makes him the latest player to connect the two London clubs, but a contract alone does not count as an appearance. Until he plays a competitive first-team match for Chelsea, Welbeck remains the next name rather than a completed member of the list.
Other Players Who Played for Both Chelsea and Arsenal
| Player | Arsenal Years | Arsenal Apps | Chelsea Years | Chelsea Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Anelka | 1997–1999 | 90 | 2008–2012 | 184 |
| Emmanuel Petit | 1997–2000 | 118 | 2001–2004 | 76 |
| William Gallas | 2006–2010 | 142 | 2001–2006 | 225 |
| Lassana Diarra | 2007–2008 | 13 | 2005–2007 | 31 |
| Yossi Benayoun | 2011–2012, loan | 25 | 2010–2013 | 24 |
| David Luiz | 2019–2021 | 73 | 2011–2014; 2016–2019 | 248 |
| Kepa Arrizabalaga | 2025–Present | 12 | 2018–2025 | 163 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players have played for both Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League era?
Using senior competitive appearances for both clubs from 1992/93 onward, the total is 17 male players. Danny Welbeck will become the 18th if he makes a competitive appearance for Chelsea.
Why is Omari Hutchinson not included?
Hutchinson spent time in Arsenal’s academy and played senior football for Chelsea, but he did not make a competitive first-team appearance for Arsenal. Academy and reserve appearances do not meet the criteria used for this list.
Who was the most successful player to represent both clubs?
Petr Cech and Ashley Cole have the strongest cases. Cech won four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea before adding an FA Cup at Arsenal. Cole was an Invincible with Arsenal and later won the Champions League, Europa League and another Premier League title with Chelsea.
Which players moved directly between Chelsea and Arsenal?
Prominent direct moves include Ashley Cole and William Gallas in the same 2006 deal, Petr Cech, Olivier Giroud, David Luiz, Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea, while Yossi Benayoun followed the same temporary route in 2011.
Is Danny Welbeck the first player connected with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United?
No. If Welbeck plays for Chelsea, he will join George Graham as a player who represented all three clubs. Graham played for Chelsea from 1964 to 1966, Arsenal from 1966 to 1972 and Manchester United from 1972 to 1974.
Were there Chelsea-Arsenal connections before the Premier League?
Yes. George Graham, John Hollins, Alan Hudson and David Rocastle are among the notable historical names associated with both clubs. They are outside the main count because this article uses competitive appearances for both teams from 1992/93 onward.
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