Can Arsenal go from nearly men to Premier League champions next season?

Last season was a rollercoaster of emotion for Arsenal fans. Despite earning 89 points, they were unable to dethrone Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title, finishing second for a successive year under Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard ensured that his side learned from that initial title run in the 2022/23 season, where they shocked football bets by challenging right up until a late capitulation due to injuries and fatigue. However, this season the Gunners look to go again.

Indeed, Arsenal matured massively as a side throughout the offseason last year, and the same is to be expected this time around as they pursue their first Premier League title since the ‘Invincible’ season 21 years ago.

While the wait for that elusive title goes on, Arsenal know they are so close to knocking City off their perch. A combination of savvy recruitment and consistent performances was key to last season’s phenomenally high points tally, and while the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Brian Brobbey are not over the line at the time of writing, they could serve as key editions to transition a side from nearly men to champions.

In this article, we look at Arsenal’s most important players ahead of the new Premier League season, as they look to finally win the league title.

William Saliba

William Saliba was one of the biggest differences in Arsenal’s performance until the final day of last season, with the French international establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league.

Alongside Gabriel, the centre-back duo ensured Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season, which is even more impressive when you consider Arteta’s decision to rotate goalkeepers between Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya after the Spaniard signed from Brentford in the early weeks of the season.

Saliba is a Rolls Royce of a defender who has plenty of potential to go to the very top. His pace and athleticism will be invaluable in the title charge.

Declan Rice

One of the best signings of last season was Declan Rice, who joined the Gunners from West Ham United. The 25-year-old justified his £100 million price tag with his reliability and tough tackling.

Rice is the perfect blend of tenacity and footballing ability, slotting in front of the defence as a pivot to allow Arsenal’s creative players to unlock defences while also getting to a number of goals and assists, finishing with 15 goal contributions.

The toughest challenge for Rice next season will be in maintaining his sharpness given how many games he played. Having made it to the final of Euro 2024 final with England, it’s unlikely he will feature from the off on the opening day against Wolves.

Gabriel Jesus

One of the players that has to step up for Arsenal this season is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries throughout his two years in north London but has been a perennial goalscorer whenever he is available.

Arteta could use Jesus in a deeper role this season, dropping in to allow the two direct wingers to get into the box, with Bukayo Saka taking on more responsibility when it comes to scoring goals.

Jesus is a brilliant creator, and if he can improve upon the four goals he scored last season in just ten starts, it will ease Arsenal fans’ concerns about needing a new striker, with several players linked with the role of the new number-nine at the Emirates.

Read Next: Who is the fastest man on earth?

Author Profile

John Day

John Day is a seasoned sports writer and brings a unique blend of insightful analysis and covers the stories that matter most to sports enthusiasts everywhere.