Best XI of footballers to play for both Arsenal and Chelsea

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Arsenal have added another name from Chelsea to their squad this summer, as Noni Madueke joins Kepa Arrizabalaga in moving between the two clubs. Incredibly, since Mikel Arteta took charge, six players have now traded Stamford Bridge for the Emirates.

Arteta explains transfer policy

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

When asked about Arsenal's frequent raids on Chelsea, Arteta said in quotes carried by The Standard: "Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players. But we try to focus on the players that we want to sign, regardless of the club they are in. It's probably a coincidence."

Goalkeeper - Petr Čech

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

A true standout for both clubs, Čech played 494 times for Chelsea over 11 seasons, collecting four Premier League titles and a Champions League medal. He later joined Arsenal, adding 139 appearances and helping secure three FA Cups.

Defence – William Gallas

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Equally comfortable in multiple roles, Gallas made 225 appearances for Chelsea before moving to Arsenal as part of the Ashley Cole transfer. At the Emirates, he wore the captain’s armband (and, strangely, the #10 shirt) and played 142 times over four seasons before joining another London rival, Tottenham Hotspur.

Defence – David Luiz

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Famed for his adventurous and sometimes calimitous defending, Luiz amassed 248 appearances across two Chelsea spells, lifting both the Champions League and Europa League. After joining Arsenal in 2019, he added 73 games and further silverware to his record.

Defence – Ashley Cole

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Regarded as England’s greatest-ever left‑back, Cole featured 228 times for Arsenal, winning two league titles and three FA Cups, before a controversial switch to Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge, he played 337 matches and added seven major honours.

Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Fàbregas broke through at Arsenal as a teenager, amassing 303 appearances and becoming captain before returning to Barcelona. Back in London with Chelsea, he made 198 appearances, masterminding two Premier League title wins with his trademark creativity.

Midfield – Jorginho

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

A metronome in Chelsea’s midfield, Jorginho made 213 appearances and was pivotal in their 2021 Champions League success. He later joined Arsenal in January 2023, adding composure and experience across 79 games before departing the club in the summer of 2025.

Midfield – Kai Havertz

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Havertz scored Chelsea’s winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final (pictured) and made 139 appearances before a surprise big-money move to Arsenal. Used in various positions across the midfield and attack, he quickly became one of Arteta's most-trusted players.

Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Aubameyang struck 92 goals in 163 Arsenal appearances, claiming a Golden Boot and lifting the FA Cup as the side's captain. However, after his controversial exit, he briefly featured for Chelsea in 21 matches, albeit with his career clearly in free-fall.

Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Links across the capital, Arteta explains transfer policy, Goalkeeper - Petr Čech, Defence – William Gallas, Defence – David Luiz, Defence – Ashley Cole, Midfield – Cesc Fàbregas, Midfield – Jorginho, Midfield – Kai Havertz, Forward – Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Forward – Nicolas Anelka

Anelka burst onto the scene at just 17 years old for Arsenal, scoring 28 goals in 90 appearances. His second spell in London came nine years later with Chelsea, where he scored 59 goals in 184 games and helped the team secure a Premier League title.

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