Arsenal’s 2025–26 dream XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Madueke.

The idea of a player crossing the divide and joining a bitter rival can seem almost like sacrilege for fans. Even if that player has won the biggest of prizes or scored the most important of goals, it often does little to temper the disgruntlement of supporters when they meet again.