Arsenal, still in search of their first Premier League title since their legendary unbeaten season in 2003/04 under Arsène Wenger, has gone through several managerial changes since his departure. From Unai Emery’s shaky tenure to Freddie Ljungberg’s brief spell, it wasn’t until Mikel Arteta took over that the club began to show real progress. Now, with over 250 games under his belt, Arteta has transformed the team into a competitive force in English football once again.
Despite some critics pointing to the lack of major trophies during Arteta’s tenure, his impact on Arsenal’s revival is undeniable. But what about the players on his squad? Are they capable of delivering the success the fans long for? Let’s take a closer look at Arsenal’s 2024/25 squad, grouping players into six categories based on their importance to the team: Must Keep, Useful to Have in the Squad, Talented Youngster, The Jury is Still Out, Listen to Offers, and Get Rid.
Must Keep Arsenal’s ambitions for glory are largely dependent on key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and William Saliba. Saka, a product of the Hale End academy, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best, combining creativity and goal-scoring ability. Saliba, a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, and Declan Rice, a midfield powerhouse, have proven essential, with their absence often exposing weaknesses in the team.
Goalkeeper David Raya, who displaced Aaron Ramsdale as the No. 1, has become a revelation, consistently impressive and a contender for the Golden Glove with five clean sheets in 15 league games. Defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber also add much-needed strength to the defense, with Timber’s versatility proving invaluable.
Ødegaard, the creative force in midfield, is another irreplaceable asset. The Norwegian captain’s ability to control play and create opportunities is central to Arteta’s tactics. These players are the backbone of Arsenal’s title hopes and must be secured with long-term contracts.
Useful to Have in the Squad Not every player needs to be a star, but some are still crucial to the squad. Ben White, a reliable presence in defense since his move from Brighton, offers both consistency and flexibility. Leandro Trossard, a bargain signing, has proven to be a game-changer off the bench, often making decisive impacts in matches.
Veteran goalkeeper Neto, at 35, brings valuable experience and leadership, offering solid backup to Raya. Kai Havertz, although still finding his best position, provides versatility and technical skill, which Arteta values. Jorginho, despite limited appearances, remains a calming influence in the midfield.
Talented Youngsters Arsenal’s Hale End academy continues to produce exciting talents. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have shown great promise. Nwaneri, still a teenager, has made important contributions from the bench, while Lewis-Skelly’s performances in the Champions League highlight his significant potential. These players represent the future of Arsenal and should be developed carefully.
The Jury is Still Out Some new signings need more time to prove themselves, such as Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori. Merino, signed from Real Sociedad, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. Calafiori, a young Italian defender, has raw potential but needs more opportunities to prove himself. Both players could play important roles with the right development and trust.
Listen to Offers There are players whose futures at Arsenal may no longer align with the club’s evolving vision. Thomas Partey, once a midfield pillar, has seen his role diminish since Merino’s arrival. Takehiro Tomiyasu, struggling with injuries and competition for places, might benefit from a move elsewhere.
Gabriel Martinelli’s recent dip in form raises questions about his future at Arsenal. While his potential remains high, the club might consider using him in future transfer deals.
Get Rid Several players seem to have reached the end of their time at Arsenal. Kieran Tierney, despite being a fan favorite, has fallen out of favor and may find more playing time at another club. Oleksandr Zinchenko, brought in for his experience and technical abilities, has failed to meet expectations and might not have a long-term future at the club.
Gabriel Jesus, once a key attacker, has seen his effectiveness wane. His inability to maintain consistent goal-scoring form suggests that parting ways with him might be a sensible decision. Jakub Kiwior, a fringe player, and Raheem Sterling, on a short-term loan, are unlikely to have lasting roles at Arsenal.
Conclusion Arsenal’s squad is a mix of undeniable talent, promising youth, and players who have yet to meet expectations. Arteta’s challenge is to keep and nurture the core group while making tough decisions about those who no longer fit his vision. With smart management, this squad has the potential to return Arsenal to glory.
