Since taking over as Arsenal manager in 2019, Mikel Arteta has reshaped the squad with a number of high-profile signings. But among all the transfer strategies he’s employed, there’s one particularly striking pattern: Arteta seems to have a strong affinity for signing players from Chelsea, one of Arsenal’s fiercest Premier League rivals.
Despite the long-standing rivalry between the two London clubs, Arteta has shown little hesitation in poaching talent from Stamford Bridge. In fact, the total amount Arsenal has spent on former Chelsea players under Arteta now exceeds €150 million, a figure that’s hard to overlook.
Noni Madueke – The Latest Addition from Chelsea
The most recent acquisition is Noni Madueke, a young and dynamic winger signed for a hefty €58 million fee. His arrival is seen as an effort to strengthen the right flank, an area that has heavily relied on Bukayo Saka’s brilliance. Madueke brings speed, flair, and attacking prowess—qualities Arteta clearly values as he looks to add more depth and flexibility to his attacking options.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – A Surprise Move for Goalkeeping Depth
Before Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga also made the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal. Despite enduring inconsistent form during his time at Stamford Bridge, Arteta saw enough potential to secure his services for a reported €5.8 million. The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to compete with David Raya for a place in the starting XI and provide reliable depth between the posts.
The Full List of Chelsea-to-Arsenal Transfers Under Arteta
Arteta has certainly developed a bit of a reputation for fishing in Chelsea’s pond. Here’s the full list of Chelsea players who have joined Arsenal since Arteta became manager:
- Kai Havertz – €75 million
- Noni Madueke – €58 million
- Jorginho – €11.5 million
- Kepa Arrizabalaga – €5.8 million
- Willian – Free transfer
- Raheem Sterling – Loan deal
In total, Arsenal has invested over €150 million to acquire talent directly from Chelsea—a significant commitment that highlights Arteta’s trust in these players’ abilities.
Mixed Results: A Strategy Under the Microscope
Not all of these signings have turned out to be instant successes. Kai Havertz, for example, faced criticism early in his Arsenal career due to inconsistent performances, although recent games have shown signs of improvement. Jorginho has performed solidly as a midfield backup, providing stability and experience.
On the other hand, Willian’s move was widely seen as a flop, as the Brazilian struggled to make an impact and left the club shortly after. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling, who joined on loan, has yet to leave a meaningful mark in North London.
Strategic Genius or Transfer Gamble?
Arteta’s habit of recruiting from Chelsea raises a fascinating debate. On one hand, these players come with Premier League experience, reducing adaptation periods and fitting more easily into the English game. Arteta may also be capitalizing on Chelsea’s overloaded squad, giving him opportunities to snatch up talented players who are struggling for game time.
But this approach is not without its risks. If these former Chelsea players fail to deliver silverware, the strategy could backfire. Critics may argue that Arsenal is simply picking up Chelsea’s cast-offs, rather than building a squad based on fresh, original scouting.
However, if Arteta can guide this blend of players—many of whom were overlooked or underused at Chelsea—to trophies, then he will be hailed as a visionary who saw value where others did not.
What’s Next? Could More Chelsea Players Join Arsenal?
Given the trend, it wouldn’t be surprising if Arsenal returns to raid Chelsea’s ranks in future transfer windows. Whether it’s due to squad depth issues at Chelsea or simply Arteta’s appreciation for certain player profiles, the Chelsea-to-Arsenal pipeline is very much active.
As Arsenal continues its pursuit of Premier League and European success, the role of ex-Chelsea players could be pivotal. Only time will tell whether Arteta’s transfer tactics are a masterstroke—or a misstep.
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