The Chilean has joined Manchester United, which makes him the latest in a long line of players to leave north London in search of trophies
Getty ImagesNicolas Anelka to Real Madrid | 1999
Nicolas Anelka followed Arsene Wenger into Arsenal in 1997, signing from Paris Saint-Germain at just 17 years of age. Wenger would use him sparingly during his first season in the Premier League, but an impressive second season and a prolific third saw him gain interest from Real Madrid in 1999.
Anelka made no effort to hide his intentions to leave Arsenal, and indeed England, admitting he had struggled to settle in London, before joining Real in a deal worth around £22 million.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesAshley Cole to Chelsea | 2006
A lot of Arsenal fans have still not forgiven Ashley Cole for the way in which he left the club. A graduate from the Arsenal academy, Cole was tipped to become the club captain having helped the Gunners to three FA Cups and two Premier League titles.
However, after nearly crashing his car in shock at being offered a new contract worth £55,000 per week, he left for London rivals Chelsea and enjoyed even more success. The left-back would win four FA Cups, a Premier League title, a League Cup, the Europa League, and in 2011-12 was part of the Blues side to lift the Champions League trophy.
Getty ImagesEmmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City | 2009
Emmanuel Adebayor spent four seasons at Arsenal but failed to win a trophy, though he did pick up a place in the 2007-08 PFA Premier League Team of the Season, having struck 24 league goals in 36 games. Then, upon leaving for Manchester City, Gunners fans turned on the Togo international in a feud which would play out in front of those at the Etihad in 2009.
As well as being accused of stamping on Robin van Persie's face, Adebayor scored against his former club and ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling support, much to their anger. Adebayor would also go on to play for Tottenham, Arsenal's north London rivals.
Kolo Toure to Manchester City | 2009
Another player to build his reputation at Arsenal, Kolo Toure signed from local club ASEC Mimosas in 2002. The defender would go on to play well over 300 games for the Gunners and was a major part of the club's 2003-04 Premier League title campaign in which the Gunners remained unbeaten.
The trophies would soon disappear at Arsenal, however, and so would Toure, as he moved to Manchester City in 2009. Toure would have to settle for a bit-part role at the Etihad, though did pick up another Premier League winners' medal in 2011-12.