Arsenal and Chelsea have frequently traded players in recent years, a trend that looks set to continue this summer.
Reports suggest the Gunners are nearing a deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga for a mere £5 million, a significant contrast to the £71m Chelsea paid for the keeper in 2018.
While the Spanish international is expected to be a backup to David Raya, Arsenal has previously acquired several players from their London rivals with the aim of strengthening their first team, achieving varying degrees of success. Let`s examine the last five such transfers.
Raheem Sterling – Loan, 2024
This transfer can only be described as a failure. Raheem Sterling`s form significantly declined after moving from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022, and a loan spell at Arsenal last summer failed to revive his previous magic.
Last season, the winger made only seven Premier League starts, registered two assists, and scored no goals. He appeared a mere shadow of the sensational player he once was for Liverpool and City, which is truly regrettable.
Kai Havertz – £65m, 2023
Arsenal signed Kai Havertz for around £65m two summers ago, a move that caused some surprise given his largely inconsistent performances at Stamford Bridge, despite his three-year spell including the winning goal in a Champions League final.
The German international had a difficult start at his new club as Mikel Arteta experimented to find his optimal role. However, his form improved significantly after being deployed as a centre-forward.
Havertz has now scored almost as many goals (29) for Arsenal as he did for Chelsea (31), achieving this in 31 fewer appearances across all competitions, effectively silencing his doubters.
Jorginho – £12m, 2023
Jorginho`s arrival in January 2023, when Arsenal were leading the league, initially suggested he might secure a Premier League winner`s medal. This wasn`t to be as Manchester City ultimately won the title, but he proved to be a valuable squad player for the subsequent 17 months.
The Italian international, born in Brazil, is set to leave the club this summer by mutual consent after making 57 appearances across all competitions. He is considered a solid signing.
Willian – Free Transfer, 2020
Arsenal initially believed they had secured a brilliant deal when Willian provided two assists on his debut following his free transfer from Chelsea. An early shot from him also contributed to Alexandre Lacazette’s opening goal.
However, the transfer proved disastrous as the winger`s form collapsed. He scored just once in 37 appearances in all competitions and became a target for fan criticism. He mutually agreed to terminate his contract in August 2021, only a year after joining.
David Luiz – £8m, 2019
David Luiz`s time at Arsenal is viewed somewhat ambiguously. The central defender was prone to errors, receiving three red cards and conceding six penalties in 53 Premier League matches, compared to just one red card and three penalties given away over 160 league games for Chelsea.
Conversely, Luiz provided valuable experience to the Arsenal squad and was instrumental in their FA Cup victory in 2020, which remains the club`s most recent major trophy.
