Arsenal are chasing silverware this season and Mikel Arteta's team could be set for long-term success
Marli Salmon and Max Dowman of Arsenal
Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have emerged as standout talents from Arsenal's academy(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal are on the brink of achieving greatness under Mikel Arteta this season. The Gunners have a real chance of winning at least two trophies, having gone almost six years without lifting silverware.
Arteta's squad face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday in what promises to be an enthralling encounter at Wembley Stadium. After defeating Everton last weekend, Arsenal also extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table following City's dropped points against West Ham.
Yet, the team arguably haven't hit their peak this season, suggesting there could be even more to come. Given the heights he has propelled the club to, Arteta is expected to pen a new contract, which would keep him in north London beyond the end of his current deal in 2027.
GK - David Raya
David Raya could claim a third successive Premier League Golden Glove award by the end of this season. The Spaniard is 30 years old and could plausibly still be the club's first-choice in 2029, provided he maintains his lightning-quick reactions and exceptional distribution skills.
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RB - Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber has emerged as one of the world's best right-backs this term. The 24-year-old was denied his debut season with Arsenal due to a cruel ACL injury suffered in his first match in August 2023, but has since established himself as a vital player for Arteta's side. The Dutchman has room to improve in an attacking sense but is arguably the league's top defensive full-back and looks to have a long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
CB - Marli Salmon
William Saliba has a contract until 2030, though he has previously been linked with possible moves to Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman also hinted last year that he could leave once he feels happy with what he has achieved at Arsenal.
Replacing the planet's finest centre-back is no simple task. However, 16-year-old Marli Salmon is already being hailed as Saliba's heir due to his remarkable composure in possession at such a young age.
The Hale End prodigy has featured four times this season, showing he is already highly-regarded by the manager. By age 19, he could be rotating minutes with Cristian Mosquera in the first XI.
Marli Salmon of Arsenal
Marli Salmon is highly-rated by Arsenal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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CB - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel serves as the cornerstone of Arsenal's rock-solid defence. The Brazilian's willingness to put his body on the line, his aerial prowess from set-pieces and the fact he doesn't depend on speed mean he is likely to remain a vital player for the Gunners in three years' time, aged 31, unless unexpected injury issues arise.
LB - Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori's ability is such that, should he remain injury-free, he could emerge as Arsenal's best left-back since Ashley Cole. He is still only 23 years old, though Arteta has previously moved on from players he considers injury-prone, suggesting Piero Hincapie might replace him if fitness concerns persist in his career.
CDM - Declan Rice
Declan Rice has been Arsenal's standout performer this season, with the England international's choice to join Arsenal rather than Man City in 2023 now beginning to reap rewards. The commanding midfielder's current contract runs until 2028, though both he and the club will be keen to extend his deal to at least 2030 should they finally secure the title this season.
Should he maintain this form, Rice is certain to remain a starter and may be club captain at 30. Looking ahead, Arsenal might adopt a more attack-minded strategy, enabling Rice to operate as a sole central defensive midfielder.
Declan Rice talks with Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Magalhaes
Declan Rice will continue to be a key player for Arsenal in the future(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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RAM - Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri has endured a challenging campaign but the ceiling remains extraordinarily high for the 18-year-old. Questions have been raised over whether Arteta has faith in him, considering his limited game time this season and his January loan move to Marseille despite an impressive breakthrough last term.
However, the midfielder's ability is unquestionable. Nwaneri should eventually replace Martin Odegaard in Arteta's XI if he bides his time.
LAM - Bukayo Saka
A change of position for Bukayo Saka might surprise some, particularly as he is considered one of the world's top right-wingers. However, Saka's displays on the right flank this season have visibly declined.
The Gunners' vice captain seems to have lost some explosiveness following his hamstring injury, rendering him less effective at beating defenders than in previous campaigns. Yet Saka remains an indispensable player for Arteta and performs well in central areas, which could lead to a Ryan Giggs-style transformation as an attacking midfielder by the age of 27.
Max Dowman of Arsenal
Max Dowman captured headlines against Everton(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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RW - Max Dowman
Dowman, merely 16 years old, is one of the most exciting talents in English football. His exceptional balance, remarkable dribbling and unusual composure have persuaded Arteta to increasingly trust him in key moments, as demonstrated against Everton with a vital cross and his first goal, having previously been cautious about introducing youngsters too early in their careers.
The Hale End sensation has drawn comparisons to Ballon d'Or winners Kaka and Lionel Messi due to his distinctive attacking skills and boundless potential. Arsenal will be hoping their homegrown gem can deliver the equivalent of what a £150m-plus signing would offer for years to come.
ST - Kai Havertz
The inclusion of Kai Havertz might raise some eyebrows, considering he isn't a typical striker. However, since his return from injury this season, supporters have been reminded of how superbly the German orchestrates play while posing a physical threat. Havertz will still only be 29 years old in three years' time and could be entering his prime.
Kenan Yildiz of Juventus
Kenan Yildiz has been linked with a potential transfer to Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images))
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LW - Kenan Yildiz
The one position Arsenal urgently need to address this summer is the left wing. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard need to be upgraded if the Gunners want to consistently challenge for the Champions League and other major trophies.
Juventus' Kenan Yildiz, who has been linked with Arsenal over the past year, is the ideal signing to inject more creativity and unpredictability in the final third. The Turkey international is 20 years old and one of Europe's most promising talents.
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