As Mikel Arteta sits down across Christmas reflecting on 2025 for Arsenal, he can be pretty damn happy.
Yes, the Gunners didn't win a trophy but they finished second in the Premier League and reached the Champions League semi-finals, only knocked out by eventual winners PSG.
The task now is to build on that foundation. They have done a brilliant job so far this season and even if they have been pillaged by injuries of late, they are still fighting at the top and battling on all fronts to end what will be a six-year trophy drought come the end of this season.
Arsenal vs Brugge
Arsenal's success in recent years has been built on the foundations of a mean defence but their forward line is perhaps more dynamic and fluid than it has ever been.
Bukayo Saka remains the club's talisman but Leandro Trossard has been starring on the opposite flank. He has arguably been Arteta's best and most consistent attacker in 2025/26.
How Trossard has become so important to Arsenal
Cast your mind back to January of 2023. The Gunners looked like they were about to sign Ukrainian superstar Mykhailo Mudryk, only for the winger to join Chelsea instead.
Well, who's laughing now? Arsenal certainly got the better end of the stick. As an alternative, the Londoners looked towards Trossard and brought him to the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth £27m.
Trossard-Xhaka
That move has turned out to be a bargain, even if the Belgian has split opinion over the last year in particular.
Trossard ended last term with just eight league goals to his name and it was widely recognised that Arsenal needed an upgrade on the flank to go to the next level. They did sign Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, and while they can feature off the left, their best positions are elsewhere.
Reports suggested that the former Brighton man could depart the capital over the summer but he was handed a pay rise instead. Questions were raised. The Belgium international is now 31. He's not ancient by any means but he is approaching the back end of his career now.
Well, Trossard has proved all doubters wrong. In the words of Arsenal writer Connor Humm, he has "arguably been the best winger in the Premier League this season."
Trossard goals per season (timeless)
Indeed, the experienced forward has scored six goals and supplied five assists in 20 contests across all competitions this campaign and has come up clutch on many occasions.
Trossard netted the winner against Fulham, scored off the bench against Aston Villa a few weeks ago and bagged in the 4-1 rout against Tottenham Hotspur.
He's had a habit of coming up good in big moments since moving, but Arteta must not neglect the need for a long-term upgrade.
Arsenal could sign big-money Trossard upgrade
Not forgetting the striker position, the left wing at Arsenal has been one of the problem positions in recent years. Yes, Trossard has caught the eye this season, but he has been inconsistent, as has positional rival Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian is a lively and energetic figure on the wing but his tendency to blow hot and cold has frustrated many a supporter inside the Emirates.
Madueke-Martinelli-Arsenal
He has scored in five successive Champions League matches, becoming the first player in Arsenal history to do so, but in the league Martinelli has just one goal to show for his efforts across 12 appearances.
So, what's the solution? Well, there is a sense that Andrea Berta and Co could do with another winger. Anyone fancy Rafael Leao?
Rafael Leao goal tallies (timeless)
The Portuguese sensation has been linked with a move to north London for a while now but reports earlier this month suggested that the club were still very much interested in prising the forward away from AC Milan. Further reports even suggest that if the Gunners did launch a move, he would be 'very keen' on heading to the Emirates Stadium.
Reported to be worth around £75m, Leao is widely recognised as "one of the best left wingers in the world" in the words of Como scout Ben Mattinson.
It's easy to see why. In recent seasons, he's not just been a goal threat but he's a menace when it comes to creating chances for teammates. In 50 games throughout 2024/25, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals and supplied 13 assists.
As for this season, the Portugal international has six goals in all competitions, netting five in just ten Serie A fixtures for Milan.
He's a menace alright, and one that's already earned comparisons to an Arsenal great. Former Milan boss Stefano Pioli previously suggested that he reminds him of an "early Thierry Henry" due to his knack for drifting inside from his wide role.
Indeed, Leao predominantly plays off the left-hand side but he loves to drift inside and possesses those lengthy Henry-esque strides to help him burst away from defenders.
Leao vs Trossard in 2024/25: League Only
Stat (per 90 mins)
Goals
Assists
Shots
Key passes
Progressive passes
Shot-creating actions
Successful take-ons
Progressive carries
Data supplied by FBRef.
One of the most captivating forwards on the planet, Leao is one of the best ball carriers around. Per FBRef, he ranks among the very best 1% of forwards in Europe's top five leagues over the last year for progressive carries with 4.23 per 90 minutes while he's also in the top 7% for successful take-ons with 1.71 per 90.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
A Champions League regular with Milan and a constant nuisance for full-backs in Italy, if Arsenal are searching for a way to take their attack to the next level then Leao is their man.
rafael-leao-ac-milan-serie-a
Arsenal fans must be begging to see another Henry-like talent within their ranks. It might well be the difference between winning and losing out on the title.
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