Mudryk, Rice and the stars Chelsea and Arsenal have BATTLED for in the transfer market

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Mar 2023 13:40 GMT
• 3 min read

Mykhaylo Mudryk, Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, the list goes on and on - here are the biggest names that Arsenal and Chelsea have fought for in the transfer market over the past 12 months.

The transfer battle between the two London rivals reached its high point in January when Chelsea swooped in to steal Ukraine star Mykhaylo Mudryk right from underneath Arsenal's noses in a stunning €70m deal.

This proved to be something of a Pyrrhic victory, though. While Mudryk is undoubtedly a great player, it has been Leandro Trossard, the man Arsenal signed in Mudryk's stead, who has really impressed as the Gunners look to win their first Premier League title since 2003.

Chelsea had also courted the Belgian, but their signing of Mudryk gave Arsenal the chance to bring the former Brighton man to the Emirates.

READ: Chelsea help Arsenal win the league by signing Mudryk over Trossard

Still a Brighton man, but who knows for how much longer, Moises Caicedo was also the subject of an almighty tug-of-war between the two Premier League giants in January. In the end, however, neither could force the Seagulls into selling, and the Ecuadorian subsequently signed a new deal at the Amex.

Italian midfielder Jorginho, meanwhile, crossed the London divide and now suits up for Arsenal, having spent four-and-a-half seasons with the Blues.

Rice and Zaha up next?

Declan Rice has aroused interest from elite clubs for years, but reports now suggest that it could come down to a battle between Arsenal and Chelsea to determine where the midfielder will end up.

Despite Chelsea being able to offer a better financial package, Arsenal are touted as the favourites to sign the England star, and Rice himself is an outspoken admirer of Mikel Arteta.

RICE LATEST: Chelsea to make another €100m-plus HIJACK of Arsenal target

Crystal Palace icon Wilfried Zaha is yet again being linked with a big move as his contract is up in the summer. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the 30-year-old, but whether either of them are really keen on signing him is doubtful.

In a less well-known case, both London sides were interested in bringing Brazilian youngster Robert Renan to England last year. Neither of them managed to do so, however, and he ultimately signed for Zenit St. Petersburg in January.