Arsenal and Chelsea have a long-standing rivalry that extends beyond the pitch, with the two London clubs frequently battling for top players.
Former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips was once at the center of this competition, nearly joining Arsenal before a late twist in events saw him move to Chelsea instead.
Wright-Phillips, the son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright, rose to prominence at Manchester City, becoming one of the Premier League’s most coveted young talents.
While a move to Arsenal’s Highbury seemed like a foregone conclusion, a delay from Arsene Wenger ultimately led to a Stamford Bridge switch.
“There was an opportunity to join Arsenal,” Wright-Phillips said. “Arsenal were the first to approach when I left City. The only reason it didn’t happen was because Arsene Wenger wanted to wait until January, but City needed it done immediately to avoid financial trouble.
If Wenger had acted faster, I’d have played for him instead of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.”
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Wright-Phillips revealed that his father, Ian Wright, was eager for the move to Arsenal. However, he also instilled in his son the importance of seizing opportunities
“He always told me to strike while the iron’s hot because you never know what could happen. When we were heading to Stamford Bridge, he was mad excited. Meanwhile, I was calm and focused. It was a sliding doors moment for me.”
Although he didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps, Wright-Phillips has remained a keen observer of Arsenal’s progress, particularly the rise of Bukayo Saka.
The Hale End Academy graduate has been a revelation for Arsenal and is currently enjoying a phenomenal season.
Wright-Phillips is full of praise for Saka, considering him one of the best wingers in Premier League history.
“He’s probably in the top five wingers to ever play in the Premier League,” he said.
“What makes him exceptional is his consistency. Even when he’s not at his best, he still contributes with goals or assists, something most wingers struggle to do. That’s what sets him apart.”
Saka’s ability to deliver game-changing moments, even on his off days, highlights his value to Arsenal’s success.
As one of the league’s brightest young stars, he carries the expectations of a club and fanbase hungry for silverware, and he continues to rise to the challenge.
While Arsenal missed out on Wright-Phillips, they can be confident that in Saka, they have a generational talent who could cement his legacy among the Premier League greats.