Top 5 players to have played for both Arsenal and Chelsea

The rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea has been one of the most prominent in the Premier League, since the latter was taken over by Roman Abramovich in 2003 and went on a lengthy path of success. The two London clubs have taken very different routes in recent seasons, with the west Londoners more successful - leading to more intense encounters between the pair as a result.

However, this rivalry has not stopped players from exchanging the two clubs either. Olivier Giroud is the latest to swap the red of Arsenal for the blue of Chelsea after five-and-a-half years in north London, here we take a look at some other top stars who have done the same or vice versa over the years.

#5: Nicolas Anelka

Anelka netted 19 goals during Chelsea's double-winning campaign

Brought in by Arsene Wenger as a raw teenager from Paris-Saint Germain in 1997, the exciting forward had a stellar but short stay at Highbury - winning the PFA Young Player of the Year accolade alongside the Premier League and FA Cup too.

Unsurprisingly, his performances caught the attention of Real Madrid and thus began a career of globetrotting. He played for a host of various top-flight clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City, before joining Chelsea in 2008.

He enjoyed a fairly successful three-year spell at Stamford Bridge, before opting for a lucrative move to the Chinese League with Shanghai Shenhua at the start of 2012.

#4: Emmanuel Petit

Petit also scored a goal in the World Cup final for France

Scouted and signed as an 18-year-old during his time at Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in 1989, Petit was never to know that he'd once again reunite with Wenger in England years later.

1997, the pair reunited and enjoyed a lot of success during their second spell too. Partnering the legendary figure of Patrick Vieira in midfield, the Frenchman won the Premier League and FA Cup in his first season before leaving for Spanish giants Barcelona in 2000.

After a series of troublesome injuries and not enough regular first-team football, he joined Chelsea in 2001 - but was unable to replicate the same success that he'd earned in north London, retiring from the game as a Blue in 2004.

#3: Cesc Fábregas

Fabregas was previously a fan favourite at Arsenal

Signed as a gifted 16-year-old from Barcelona in 2003, Cesc Fábregas quickly displayed his world-class potential and became a regular for Arsenal. Captaining the club as a 21-year-old, he only won a solitary FA Cup for his efforts and the Gunners' lack of silverware propelled him to leave for his boyhood club back in Spain during the summer of 2011.

After an unspectacular three-year stint, he returned to London in 2014 and prompted interest from a whole host of Premier League sides. Arsenal had first option on his services but opted against re-signing their former captain, with Chelsea happy to step up to the plate and offer him a four-year deal.

He has won two Premier League titles in three seasons with the Blues and continues to play a vital role in Chelsea's midfield today. Hungry for more success, Fabregas will be hoping to continue contributing significantly for many years to come.

#2: Petr Cech

Despite joining their London rivals, Cech is still regarded as a Chelsea legend

A mainstay in Chelsea's goal for a lengthy eleven year period, Petr Cech was signed just prior to the Jose Mourinho revolution in west London. Winning every trophy up for grabs during his tenure, he was the hero during their dramatic Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in 2012.

However, he was usurped by a young Thibaut Courtois once the Belgian returned from his own lengthy loan period at Atletico Madrid. Cech initially sat on the substitutes' bench but it quickly became apparent that he was not content waiting for sporadic appearances and still felt he had enough ability to play every week.

Eager to remain in London, Chelsea showed compassion in letting the Czech international choose his next destination, even if it was Arsenal themselves. Since joining for a reported £11m in 2015, he has had a topsy-turvy spell with Arsene Wenger's men - moments of individual brilliance marred by unreliable moments and frustrating mistakes he did not make earlier on during his illustrious career.

#1: Ashley Cole

Cole was part of the Invincibles squad

A product of Arsenal's world-renowned youth academy, Ashley Cole is considered to be one of the world's best fullbacks in history. A vital member in their famous Invincibles squad that won the Premier League undefeated, his legendary status with the Gunners was tarnished forever after a controversial transfer saga.

In the summer of 2006, he joined Chelsea after months of speculation suggesting he had been illegally tapped up and encouraged to sign lucrative terms behind the backs of Arsenal's hierarchy.

This spell was a highly eventful one, as he won everything possible - league titles, FA Cups, domestic accolades and the 2012 Champions League, before departing for pastures new having reached the twilight years of his career.

He's still playing professional football, for MLS side LA Galaxy at the age of 37, but there's plenty of animosity towards him from Arsenal supporters and fans across the country for his actions all those years ago - even if they were for personal gain at his peak powers.