The last five players Arsenal signed from Chelsea – and how they turned out

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·8. Juni 2025

The last five players Arsenal signed from Chelsea – and how they turned out

Arsenal and Chelsea have conducted a lot of business with each other in recent years and that looks set to continue this summer.

The Gunners are reportedly close to signing Kepa Arrizabalaga for just £5 million, a far cry from the £71m the Blues shelled out for the goalkeeper in 2018.

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The Spain international will be a backup to David Raya, but Arsenal have signed a number of players from their London rival with the goal of improving their starting XI in the not-so-distant past, with mixed results.

The last five players Arsenal have signed from Chelsea

Raheem Sterling – Loan, 2024

There is no other word to describe this transfer than stinker. Raheem Sterling really lost his way after swapping Manchester City for Chelsea in 2022, but he never managed to rekindle the magic in his boots as hoped when he completed a loan move to Arsenal last summer.

The winger started just seven times in the Premier League this past season, provided two assists and failed to score any goals. He’s looked a shadow of his former self, which is a real shame given how sensational he was for Liverpool and City back in the day.

Read – One ideal summer transfer for each Premier League club

Kai Havertz – £65m, 2023

Arsenal signed Kai Havertz for an initial £60m two summers ago, which came as a bit of a surprise given he largely flattered to deceive at Stamford Bridge, even though his three-year stint included the winning goal in a Champions League final.

The German endured a rocky start to life in his new surrounds as Mikel Arteta struggled to find the ideal position for him. But that has subsided since being moved to centre-forward.

Havertz has scored nearly as many goals (29) for Arsenal as he did for Chelsea (31), in 31 fewer appearances in all competitions, silencing his critics in the process.

Read – Ray Parlour names striker Arsenal should sign this summer

Jorginho – £12m, 2023

It seemed like Jorginho might walk into a Premier League medal after joining Arsenal while they were top of the table in January 2023. Unfortunately for him that was not the case as Manchester City overtook them, but he went on to be a very useful squad player over the following 17 months.

The Brazil-born Italy international leaves the club this summer following a mutual agreement to release him from his contract following 57 appearances across all competitions. A solid signing.

Read – Arsenal ‘could easily spend over £200m’ claims finance expert

Willian – Free transfer, 2020

Arsenal thought they had pulled off a masterstroke after Willian registered two assists on his debut for the club following his free transfer from Chelsea. His early shot also led to Alexandre Lacazette’s opener.

But the move turned out to be a disaster as the winger’s form dropped off a cliff, scoring once in 37 appearances in all competitions, and he became a figure of derision among the fanbase. He agreed to terminate his contract in August 2021, just 12 months after moving to north London.

Read – Rating every Chelsea number nine of the Premier League era

David Luiz – £8m, 2019

David Luiz’ legacy at Arsenal is a strange one. The centre-back made a series of errors, received three red cards and conceded six penalties in 53 Premier League appearances. In contrast, he was sent off just once and gave away three penalties over 160 league appearances for Chelsea.

On the other hand, Luiz brought some much needed experience to the Gunners’ dressing room and played a key role in helping the team win the FA Cup in 2020, their last major trophy.

Read – Every African footballer to score 20 goals in a Premier League season