Every Chelsea player Arsenal signed, ranked from worst to best

Arsenal and Chelsea are fierce London rivals on the field, yet they haven’t shied away from doing business off it. Since the Premier League era began, more than a dozen players have moved directly between the clubs, usually Arsenal picking up Chelsea’s cast-offs. Some of these cross-London transfers have become club legends. Others are barely remembered footnotes.

The trend began in earnest in the mid-2000s and has only accelerated in recent years. This comprehensive look examines every player Arsenal have signed from Chelsea since 2006—from headline-grabbing swaps to surprise veteran loans and big-money deals.

We explore each player’s role, the transfer details, their performance and impact in North London, the fan and media sentiment at the time and in hindsight, and any memorable controversies or anecdotes along the way.

It’s a tale of hope and disappointment, of immediate impact and long-term regret, a rich narrative of two rivals strangely intertwined in the transfer market.

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10. Willian

Signed on a free in 2020, Willian arrived with high expectations and a massive wage packet. He provided two assists on his debut and then vanished. He ended his Arsenal career with just one goal in 37 appearances. His sluggish form and perceived lack of effort made him a target for fan frustration. To his credit, he agreed to terminate his contract early, saving the club millions. But by then, the damage was done.

Impact: One of the worst Arsenal signings of the modern era. A cautionary tale in overpaying for aging rivals.

9. Raheem Sterling

Brought in on loan from Chelsea for the 2024–25 season, Sterling was billed as a savvy late-window addition. It wasn’t. The former England international scored just once and rarely looked comfortable in Mikel Arteta’s system. He struggled for starts, offered little threat, and was promptly returned to Chelsea after a single, forgettable season.

Impact: A bust. One of the least impactful Arsenal loans in recent memory.

8. Kepa Arrizabalaga

Signed in 2025 for just $6.9 million, Kepa came in to serve as Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper. Once the world’s most expensive keeper, he’s now a low-risk squad player. As of now, he hasn’t made a competitive appearance.

Impact: Too soon to judge, but the fee is minimal and the role is defined. A pragmatic, depth-based signing.

7. Noni Madueke

The latest Chelsea recruit, Madueke joined Arsenal in 2025 for around $65 million. The move immediately drew criticism from fans—many of whom saw it as overpaying for a player who hadn’t proven himself. Arteta sees potential, but Madueke has yet to play a competitive match.

Impact: TBD. High fee, high skepticism. The pressure is on from the start.

6. David Luiz

Signed in 2019 for $10 million, Luiz delivered exactly what many expected: chaos and charisma. He helped Arsenal win the 2020 FA Cup, playing a key role in that run, but also racked up red cards and penalties. His leadership and long passing were useful, but his defensive lapses drove fans mad. His Arsenal stint lasted two seasons.

Impact: A mixed bag. A short-term solution with highs and lows in equal measure.

5. Yossi Benayoun

Signed on loan in 2011 during a chaotic transfer deadline day, Benayoun was a savvy piece of business. The Israeli midfielder brought much-needed experience and versatility to a squad reeling from key departures. He scored six goals in 25 appearances, including a crucial strike on the final day that helped Arsenal secure Champions League qualification. He even captained the side in a League Cup tie. Benayoun didn’t stay beyond the season, but left with the respect of fans and teammates alike.

Impact: A rare example of a Chelsea loan that worked. Short-term but significant.

4. William Gallas

Arsenal’s first major signing from Chelsea came in 2006, when Gallas arrived as part of the infamous deal that sent Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge. Gallas was 29, a Premier League champion, and brought experience to a young Arsenal defense. But his time at the Emirates was volatile. He wore the No. 10 shirt, vacated by Dennis Bergkamp, while playing as a center-back, a decision that baffled fans. He captained the team but was stripped of the armband in 2008 after an emotional on-pitch protest at Birmingham and a public criticism of teammates. Gallas made over 100 appearances for Arsenal before leaving on a free to join Spurs in 2010, a move that torched any lingering goodwill.

Impact: Solid on the pitch but remembered just as much for controversy and crossing the North London divide twice.

3. Kai Havertz

Signed in 2023 for $87.8 million, Havertz had a rocky start at Arsenal. Initially miscast as a central midfielder, he came alive in the second half of the season when pushed further forward. By the end of 2024–25, he was the club’s top scorer with 15 goals. Still, questions linger about whether he can lead the line full-time.

Impact: Too early to finalize judgment. But trending upward after a strong finish to his second season.

2. Jorginho

Signed on deadline day in January 2023 for $15 million, Jorginho was a calm, intelligent presence during Arsenal’s title chase. His late winner against Aston Villa was a defining moment of the season. Though mostly used in rotation, he consistently performed well and even wore the armband in cup games.

Impact: A modest but clear success. Smart business for experience and control in midfield.

1. Petr Cech

When Arsenal signed Cech in 2015 for around $13.5 million, it felt like a coup. A Chelsea legend with four Premier League titles and a Champions League medal, Cech arrived at 33 and immediately won the Golden Glove in his debut season. He added FA Cup and Community Shield honors but never reached his Chelsea peak. His final game was a 4–1 Europa League loss to Chelsea, and he returned to Stamford Bridge in a technical role weeks later.

Impact: Brought stability and professionalism, even if the timing was a few years too late.