Chelsea have been more than willing to do business with Arsenal over the last few seasons, with that not stopping in the 2025 summer transfer window.
Frequently the Gunners have signed players who are not playing a key role at Stamford Bridge, however that changed with the addition of Noni Madueke to their ranks.
Mikel Arteta privately reached out to Madueke to convince him regarding the move, and he has left the Chelsea camp in the United States who are preparing for the Club World Cup final against PSG.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga, Kai Havertz and Jorginho all making the move over the last few seasons, it is clear that the Blues have not been too concerned that they will be strengthening a direct rival.
As well as first team stars, the two clubs have also been negotiating over youth prospects, with one of those being Marcell Washington.
The 17-year-old featured for Chelsea’s academy sides in the 2024/25 season, however ended the campaign on trial with Arsenal.
It appears this period of time saw the youngster impressed, with the Arsenal website confirming they had signed him on a permanent deal.
The two sides have engaged in transfers involving academy prospects in the past, with Chelsea previously signing Omari Hutchinson from the Emirates. He has now moved on to Ipswich Town on a permanent deal after spending a season there on loan.
After Washington departed the club, it has become clear that he will not achieve what his father did during his time as a Chelsea player.
He is the son of former Blue Ryan Bertrand, who famously won the Champions League in his first European start for the club against Bayern Munich in 2012.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Washington plays as a left-back, but can also play further forward like Bertrand did in the Champions League final.
He is expected to be part of the Arsenal academy rather than the first team, however at 17 still has a long future ahead of him at his new club.
