Arsenal are showing no signs of slowing down in their west-to-north London talent raid, with yet another Chelsea player crossing the divide—bringing the total to three Blues signings this summer alone.
The Gunners’ growing reputation as Chelsea’s second-hand suitor has sparked plenty of debate, but Mikel Arteta’s side seems more than happy to bolster their squad with Stamford Bridge outcasts and emerging talent alike.
Having already snapped up Kepa Arrizabalaga by triggering his release clause and sealing a £48.5million move for Noni Madueke (plus £3.5m in add-ons), Arsenal have now quietly added Marcell Washington to their ranks.
Washington, a promising young defender, signed a professional contract with the Gunners after impressing during a trial spell that included a standout performance against Derby County’s Under-21s. The 18-year-old, who left Chelsea’s academy setup, spoke glowingly of his new club.
“It’s a very welcoming club,” he said. “From day one, I felt really welcomed — from the staff to the players. Arsenal are always striving to win trophies. I’m just looking to be an addition to that and see what I can offer.”
This marks the sixth time in seven seasons that Arsenal have signed at least one player from Chelsea — a trend that began in 2019 with David Luiz, followed by Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and last season’s short-lived loan of Raheem Sterling.
With Madueke and Kepa bolstering Arteta’s first team and Washington eyeing a long-term future at the Emirates, Arsenal’s Chelsea pipeline is alive and well. Whether it results in silverware or regret remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the Gunners aren’t done yet.
