Since the summer of 2019, Arsenal has spent over 120 million USD in transfer fees on Chelsea players across six of the last seven seasons. This figure could rise further, as the Gunners are reportedly targeting winger Noni Madueke.

Kepa Arrizabalaga signing with Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Kepa Arrizabalaga signing with Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

The most recent transfer between the two clubs involved Kepa Arrizabalaga, who arrived at the Emirates for a fee of 6.7 million USD.

Prior to Kepa, David Luiz, Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Raheem Sterling all made the move from Chelsea to their London rivals. In 2015, Arsenal also acquired goalkeeper Petr Cech for 17 million USD.

According to the Telegraph, while each deal has its own rationale, several underlying factors connect these transfers.

Location is a primary factor. Moving from Chelsea to Arsenal allows players and their families to remain in London. Some may still relocate, as the commute from Chelsea's training ground in Surrey to Arsenal's London Colney headquarters can be lengthy via the M25 motorway, but it’s not essential.

Another factor is the career stage of many players transferring between the clubs. The average age of these players in the past decade has been over 30, and most have families settled in London.

Willian (left) and David Luiz during their time at Arsenal before the 2020-2021 season. Photo: Arsenal FC

Willian (left) and David Luiz during their time at Arsenal before the 2020-2021 season. Photo: Arsenal FC

Financially, Arsenal is one of the few clubs capable of matching or exceeding Chelsea's salary offers. For instance, few top clubs could rival the wages offered by Arsenal to Brazilian players Willian and David Luiz when they joined at age 32.

Beyond finances, the Brazilian connection played a significant role in the Willian and Luiz deals. They were signed by Arsenal's then-Sporting Director, Edu, a fellow Brazilian.

Manager Mikel Arteta has long admired Jorginho, another player of Brazilian descent. Arteta even attempted to sign Jorginho while serving as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Man City.

In Havertz's case, Arsenal benefited from Chelsea's strategic shift under Todd Boehly's ownership. Chelsea needed to sell players to fund new signings and reduce their wage bill. Havertz earned 411,000 USD per week at Stamford Bridge.

The loan signing of Sterling in the summer of 2024 presented another opportunity for Arsenal. The Gunners incurred no loan fee, paid less than 50% of Sterling's wages, and were not obligated to buy him outright. Under his contract with Chelsea, which runs until 2027, the English forward earns 430,000 USD weekly.

Kai Havertz celebrates scoring the third goal in Arsenal's 5-0 win against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, London, England on 23/4/2024. Photo: Reuters

Kai Havertz celebrates scoring the third goal in Arsenal's 5-0 win against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, London, England on 23/4/2024. Photo: Reuters

Kepa's transfer was a sensible move for both clubs. Chelsea had a surplus of goalkeepers, and this was their last chance to receive a transfer fee for Kepa, who had only one year left on his contract.

For Arsenal, Kepa brings valuable experience, having won the Champions League with both Chelsea and Real Madrid. He will compete with David Raya for a starting position.

At under 7 million USD, Kepa's acquisition barely impacted Arsenal's summer budget. Their initial target, Joan Garcia, moved from Espanyol to Barca for nearly 30 million USD.

According to the Telegraph, careful consideration and sound logic don't guarantee success for transfers between Chelsea and Arsenal. The newspaper considers Jorginho, Cech, and Havertz as successful acquisitions, Willian and Sterling as failures, and Luiz as average.

Hong Duy (Telegraph)