Brazilian defender David Luiz is one of numerous high-profile players to represent both Chelsea and Arsenal in his career.
On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea travel to Arsenal for an important fixture in the Premier League. In the Gunners squad, there are several Blues connections with the likes of Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling.
David Luiz, 37, crossed the divide in London from blue to red when he was playing in English football.
The centre-back had two spells as a player at Stamford Bridge, 2011 to 2014 and 2016 to 2019. Afterwards, he joined Arsenal and played two seasons with them.
Didier Drogba wanted Chelsea to keep Luiz in 2019, but he left in the summer to play at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
David Luiz said he only agreed to join Arsenal after Chelsea exit was decided
Back in the summer of 2019, Arsenal signed Luiz from Chelsea in a deal worth around £8m (Sky Sports).
It’s interesting to recall that the South American star only decided to make the transfer move once he knew he’d be leaving the Blues.
When discussing leaving Chelsea to sign for Arsenal, Luiz told UOL in 2019: “It’s always very difficult because of the rivalry, but I made the decision to leave Chelsea even before I received the offer from Arsenal.
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“It wasn’t something we did together. As soon as I decided to leave Chelsea – after a few days – the offer from Arsenal arrived and, as it was another big club, I didn’t think twice.
“It’s difficult because of the rivalry, yes, but I couldn’t miss out on living a new story, in a new place, at a big club just because of that.”
Chelsea’s best Brazilian players include Luiz, who was part of the famous side that lifted the Champions League in 2012.
We think Blues fans will overlook the fact he played for Arsenal later in his career because he delivered some superb moments before that with them.
Club Appearances Trophies
Chelsea 248 6
Flamengo 132 3
Benfica 131 4
Paris Saint-Germain 89 8
Arsenal 73 2
Vitoria 3 0
Fortaleza (Current) 3
David Luiz’s senior club career
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Has Kai Havertz been better at Chelsea or Arsenal?
Like Luiz, Havertz won the Champions League in Chelsea colours and ended up signing for Arsenal.
The German attacker, who’s currently out of action with a long-term injury, has been an Arsenal player since he joined them in 2023. He actually spent three years with the Blues before that switch.
Club Appearances Goals Assists Trophies
Chelsea 139 32 12 3
Arsenal 85 29 12 1
Comparing Kai Havertz’s time at Chelsea and Arsenal
Even though Havertz enjoyed European success at Chelsea, including scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, we think he’s been far more consistent in Arsenal colours.