13 Players Who Have Played for Both Arsenal and Manchester City
As Arsenal and Manchester City prepare to face each other this weekend in a Premier League blockbuster, fans are once again reminded of the rich history that these two clubs share—not only in rivalry but in the players who have donned the colors of both teams.
From Premier League legends to lesser-known figures, a surprising number of stars have represented both clubs. With each player contributing uniquely to their respective tenures, let’s dive into the 13 players who have made this rare switch, and how their careers shaped both Arsenal and Manchester City.
- Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka was one of Arsenal’s brightest young stars when he broke into the team in the late 1990s. After helping Arsenal secure the Premier League title in 1998, Anelka was sold to Real Madrid in a blockbuster deal. Fast forward a few years, and he returned to England with Manchester City, where he became their top scorer during the early 2000s. Despite his talent, Anelka’s nomadic career left him without a lasting legacy at either club, but his impact at both was undeniable.
- Kolo Touré
Part of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles squad, Kolo Touré was a commanding presence at the back. The Ivorian formed a crucial partnership with Sol Campbell as Arsenal went unbeaten during the 2003/04 season. In 2009, Touré made the move to Manchester City, where he played an important role in the club’s rise to prominence, helping them win their first Premier League title in 2012.
- Emmanuel Adebayor
Few players have caused as much controversy switching between Arsenal and Manchester City as Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togolese striker was a key figure for Arsenal during his time at the club, but his infamous celebration in front of the Arsenal fans after scoring for City is something that still sparks debate among Gunners supporters. Adebayor’s City career never quite reached the heights of his time in North London, but his impact in both clubs’ attacks is unforgettable.
- Gaël Clichy
Gaël Clichy’s career saw him transition from an Arsenal Invincible to a Manchester City stalwart. He started his career with the Gunners, where he won the Premier League title in 2004. After eight years at Arsenal, he made the move to City in 2011. At City, Clichy won two Premier League titles, becoming a crucial part of their dominant defensive line under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini.
- Patrick Vieira
One of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, Patrick Vieira captained Arsenal to some of their most significant achievements, including their unbeaten 2003/04 season. After leaving for Juventus, he made a surprise return to the Premier League with Manchester City in 2010. While his best years were undoubtedly behind him, Vieira’s leadership and experience were still valued at City during his brief stint.
- Bacary Sagna
Bacary Sagna was a fan favorite at Arsenal, where he was regarded as one of the Premier League’s best right-backs during his time under Arsène Wenger. In 2014, he made the move to Manchester City on a free transfer. While he wasn’t as prominent at City as he was at Arsenal, Sagna played a key role in bolstering City’s defensive ranks.
- Samir Nasri
When Samir Nasri left Arsenal for Manchester City in 2011, it caused one of the most high-profile and controversial transfers between the two clubs. Nasri had flourished at Arsenal, but his desire for silverware saw him make the switch to City, where he won two Premier League titles. Despite his success at City, Nasri’s departure from Arsenal left a bitter taste for many Gunners fans.
- David Seaman
Few Arsenal players are as iconic as David Seaman. The goalkeeper spent over a decade at the club, winning three league titles and four FA Cups. However, what many may not remember is that Seaman ended his career at Manchester City, where he played for a single season before retiring in 2004.
- Niall Quinn
Long before the modern era of mega-money transfers, Niall Quinn made the switch from Arsenal to Manchester City in 1990. While Quinn’s time at Arsenal was relatively low-key, he found greater success at City, where he became a fan favorite. His height and aerial ability made him a threat in the box, and he remains a respected figure at both clubs.
- Paul Dickov
Paul Dickov might not have had the most glittering Arsenal career, but he is fondly remembered at Manchester City. After struggling to break into Arsenal’s first team, Dickov joined City in 1996, where he became a cult hero, particularly for his role in helping the club secure promotion back to the Premier League.
- Oleksandr Zinchenko
A recent addition to this list, Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped Manchester City for Arsenal in 2022. At City, Zinchenko was part of a side that won multiple Premier League titles, but he struggled to hold down a consistent starting position. Since his move to Arsenal, Zinchenko has become a vital player for Mikel Arteta, contributing both in defense and midfield as the Gunners push for their own Premier League title challenge.
- Gabriel Jesus
Like Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus made the move from City to Arsenal in 2022. Jesus had enjoyed a successful spell at Manchester City, winning multiple league titles, but he often found himself playing second fiddle to the likes of Sergio Agüero. At Arsenal, Jesus has flourished under Arteta, becoming the focal point of Arsenal’s attack and providing the experience and quality the Gunners need to compete at the top.
- David Rocastle
A true Arsenal legend, David “Rocky” Rocastle was adored by Gunners fans in the 1980s. Rocastle spent most of his career at Arsenal, winning two league titles, but he also had a brief spell at Manchester City towards the end of his career. While his time at City was short-lived, Rocastle’s legacy at Arsenal remains unshakable.
With these 13 players having worn both the red and white of Arsenal and the sky blue of Manchester City, this upcoming clash is more than just another fixture. It represents a shared history of talent, ambition, and rivalry between two of the Premier League’s greatest clubs.
As Arsenal and Manchester City prepare to battle it out this weekend, who will come out on top? Will it be the Gunners, bolstered by former City stars like Jesus and Zinchenko, or will Guardiola’s side once again show why they’re champions? Bet now with iLOTBET!
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