Ranking every player Arsenal have signed from Chelsea

Despite their intense rivalry on the pitch, London duo Arsenal and Chelsea appear to have a good relationship off it, with several players swapping Stamford Bridge for the Emirates in the Premier League era. This unusual transfer pipeline has seen a mix of legends, promising youngsters, and experienced professionals don the red and white after a spell in blue. While some moves have been met with skepticism, others have proven surprisingly fruitful for the Gunners. Here, we delve into the history books to rank every player Arsenal have acquired directly from their West London neighbours, from the sublime to the forgettable.

Undoubtedly, the most impactful and successful acquisition from Chelsea has been goalkeeper Petr Cech. Arriving in 2015, Cech brought a wealth of experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to Arsenal's squad. Despite being past his absolute peak, his consistent performances, crucial saves, and calming presence between the sticks were invaluable. He helped Arsenal secure the FA Cup in 2017, starting in the final, and provided much-needed stability to the defence. His professionalism and contribution over four seasons firmly place him at the top of this unique list, a true testament to his enduring quality.

Following Cech, the debate becomes more nuanced. David Luiz, who joined in 2019, proved to be a polarizing figure. While prone to errors, his ball-playing ability from the back, leadership, and experience were evident. He played a significant role in Arsenal's 2020 FA Cup triumph, starting in every round, and provided a veteran presence in a young squad. Though his time was inconsistent, his silverware contribution edges him above others. Yossi Benayoun, a loan signing in 2011, offered creative spark and experience during his single season, scoring a few important goals and providing a reliable option from the bench. His brief but solid contribution makes him a respectable entry.

Further down the list are transfers that yielded less success. Lassana Diarra's move in 2007 was fleeting; he barely featured before moving on, seeking more regular first-team football. However, the most disappointing cross-London switch has to be Willian. Signed on a free transfer in 2020 with high expectations, the Brazilian winger failed to recapture his Chelsea form. His performances were largely ineffective, and his significant wages for minimal output made his two-year contract a costly misstep, leading to an early departure. While the off-pitch relationship between the clubs seems cordial, the on-pitch results of these transfers have been a decidedly mixed bag for Arsenal.