After Petr Cech‘s transfer to Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal was confirmed on Monday, we’ve taken a look at the list of players to have played for both clubs over the years in the Premier League.
From Ashley Cole to Cesc Fabregas – here’s a reminder of those that have worn the famous blue and red shirts during their careers…
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1. Ashley Cole
A young Arsenal fan – the left-back was adored by the Gunners faithful after breaking through the club’s academy and earning a regular place under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates.
However, the former England international earned the nickname ‘Cashley’ after infamously slamming the north London heavyweights’ measly wage offer of £55,000 per-week.
With Roman Abramovich at the helm, the Blues secretly lured Cole to Stamford Bridge with a contract worth £90,000 – which was sure to satisfy his wallet.
2. William Gallas
The centre-back made the move to the Emirates in a deal that helped smooth the transfer of Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge.
The 37-year-old was appointed club captain soon after arriving in north London, but was often played out of position at left-back, and after four trophy-less seasons, the Frenchman opted to leave on a free transfer to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
In contrast to Cole – who went on to win one Premier League title, four FA Cups, one League Cup, one Community Shield, one Champions League and one Europa League – Gallas didn’t claim a single piece of silverware under Wenger.
3. Nicolas Anelka
The former France international has played for a total of 13 different clubs throughout his professional career – including Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid – making it unsurprising that the striker has established experience in London.
His form for the Gunners, in which he scored crucial goals in their 1998 double-winning campaign, earned him a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, and eight years later he returned to the English capital with the Blues.
His lethargic style of play made the forward perhaps one of the most frustrating to watch, but he was a key player for the two Premier League heavyweights during successful periods for both.
4. Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal were desperate to keep hold of the midfielder in the summer of 2011 when rumours of a return to Barcelona intensified. Nonetheless, given his desire to return to his boyhood club, his exit was granted by Wenger and the majority of his supporters in London were understanding in his wish to return ‘home’.
However, just three seasons later, the former Gunners captain shocked English football when it was announced that he would be returning to London – but not with Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho pounced on the 28-year-old’s signature last summer, and his 18 assists helped fire Chelsea to their first Premier League title in five years.
5. Emmanuel Petit
A somewhat unknown in the Premier League when his move to the Emirates was confirmed in 1997, but the Frenchman settled in England’s top flight with ease – going on to star alongside Patrick Vieira in midfield.
Petit left three years later for Barcelona; however, after just one season, he returned to London – but this time to the west of the capital with Chelsea.
His time at Stamford Bridge contrasted his career at Arsenal greatly – with injury spoiling his spell with the Blues, as he made just 55 appearances in three seasons.
6. Petr Cech
Following weeks of intense speculation that the Czech Republic international would be moving to north London this summer, it was no surprise when his £10m transfer was confirmed earlier this week.
There is great hope among the Gunners faithful that the signing of the 33-year-old signals a new era under Arsene Wenger, particularly after the club claimed back-to-back FA Cup titles, and appear to be high in confidence.
