10 players who have played for Arsenal & West Ham
By Kian Long
Arsenal and West Ham have shared plenty throughout time. They have shared points, memories and even a city - The capital of England, no less. At face value, you'd think this would mean they get along. However, things are never that easy in football.
In fact, the two London clubs have formed quite the rivalry since they were both founded. Built on over many years, the Arsenal vs West Ham fixture has become one which both sets of fans look for at the beginning of the season.
So, let's take a look through the archives, at the 10 most notable players who have played for Arsenal and West Ham.
10 players who have played for Arsenal & West Ham
1. Declan Rice
Still playing for Arsenal, Declan Rice is still remembered fondly by many West Ham fans. His big-money move was always destined to happen, so the Hammers essentially accepted it long before the outcome.
While it did hurt West Ham to see their captain sign for rivals Arsenal, his send-off was rather magical, leading West Ham to a European trophy and playing in a final which will be remembered forever.
Years at West Ham: 2015-2023
Years at Arsenal: 2023-
Notable achievements: Won the UEFA Conference League final with West Ham, then the Community Shield in his first Arsenal game. He also reached two consecutive European finals with England.
2. Freddie Ljungberg
Freddie Ljungberg is one of the most iconic players in Premier League history. The rapid winger is one of the greatest of all-time for his position. He is also an iconic figure of the Arsenal vs West Ham rivalry - The Hammers need no reminding that he once rocked his hair in Arsenal red, though.
Years at Arsenal: 1998-2007
Years at West Ham: 2007-2008
Notable achievements: At Arsenal, Ljungberg won two Premier League titles (including the only golden Premier League trophy in history), three FA Cups and the Charity Shield.
3. Lukasz Fabianski
Lukasz Fabianski is remembered very fondly by both sets of supporters. He is now mostly recognised for his time at West Ham but Arsenal fans love to see him doing well.
Years at Arsenal: 2007-2014
Years at West Ham: 2018
Notable achievements: At Arsenal, Fabianski stepped up to the mark by winning the FA Cup final. At West Ham, he was involved in West Ham history, lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League.
4. Manuel Almunia
On the topic of goalkeepers, we'd be remiss not to mention Manuel Almunia. The Spanish goalkeeper was once a mainstay at Arsenal but towards the end of his time in London, he did feature for West Ham on loan.
Years at Arsenal: 2004-2012
Years at West Ham: 2011 (loan)
Notable achievements: Won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Arsenal. He also had a Champions League runner-up medal, not that he'd celebrate it.
5. Carl Jenkinson
It might not have turned out the way Arsenal fans hoped it would for Carl Jenkinson. However, he is still a respected part of the club's history. West Ham also had their fair share of Jenko, taking him on loan twice.
Years at Arsenal: 2011-2019
Years at West Ham: 2014-2015 (loan), 2015-2016 (loan)
Notable achievements: At Arsenal, Jenkinson won the FA Cup in 2014, the cup which ended the trophy draught.
6. Luis Boa Morte
Portuguese winger Luis Boa Morte became quite the Premier League cult hero. He played for Arsenal as a youngster, but it wasn't to be for him in North London. He soon found his home at Fulham, before signing for West Ham United.
Years at Arsenal: 1997-1999
Years at West Ham: 2007-2011
Notable achievements: He was a Premier League winner with Arsenal and a two-time Charity Shield winner.
7. John Hartson
Known by many for his TV personality nowadays, however, Hartson was once an exceptional striker who admittedly shined more for West Ham than he did for Arsenal.
Years at Arsenal: 1995-1997
Years at West Ham: 1997-1999
Notable achievements: Didn't win anything in England. However, Hartson is a Celtic legend.
8. Samir Nasri
Arsenal fans, unclench your fists. We will address the turncoat Samir Nasri pronto, and then move onto the others.
Years at Arsenal: 2008-2011
Years at West Ham: 2019
Notable achievements: Achieved most of his success with Man City. I know better than to run through those, here.
9. Yossi Benanyoun
Skilful and intricate midfielder Yossi Benanyoun is a Premier League cult hero. Not only did he play for Arsenal and West Ham, he also represented Liverpool and Chelsea. Not a bad Premier League quartet!
Years at West Ham: 2005-2007, 2012 (loan)
Years at Arsenal: 2011-2012 (loan)
Notable achievements: Reached the FA Cup final with West Ham.
10. Konstantinos Mavropanos
Greek centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos sneaks into this list. He was originally located by Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger. Now, though, he plays at the back for West Ham.
Years at Arsenal: 2018-2022
Years at West Ham: 2023-