The current Arsenal squad is arguably their best for a long time after a summer of significant recruitment. They’ve welcomed serial winners in the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, whilst also signing players that the Premier League has never had the pleasure of seeing first hand in the form of Fabio Vieira. The additions add to what is already a Gunners side full of potential.
Now, you look at Mikel Arteta’s side, and you see several dangermen; several potential game-changers, from those already there like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli to the aforementioned new names.
One major improvement compared to recent years, however, is their backline. The likes Gabriel, William Saliba, Zinchenko, and Aaron Ramsdale instil youth and solidity to what is a far more impressive Arsenal defence.
The question is, who’s the best current Arsenal player, as they continue their surprise assault on the Premier League title?
10) Aaron Ramsdale
If you asked us at the start of last season whether or not Aaron Ramsdale would be on a list of Arsenal’s best players, then the answer would have been a definite no.
This was a goalkeeper coming off the back of consecutive relegations.
Yet, one year later, he is comfortably amongst those challenging for England’s number one spot, and has been a great improvement between the sticks at Arsenal, with his distribution particularly impressive.
9) Kieran Tierney
If it wasn’t for his injury struggles, then Kieran Tierney could be higher on this list.
As it is, however, he remains far lower, whilst still impressing. When fit and firing, it’s hard to find more reliable and committed Arsenal players.
As left-backs go in the Premier League, it’s a shame that we don’t get to see more of Tierney, because there aren’t many better in his position in English football.
A bargain of a signing who will continue to impress.
8) William Saliba
Now, whilst some may accuse us of jumping the gun, before William Saliba even stepped foot on the pitch and Selhurst Park to produce a Man of the Match display, he was coming off the back of winning Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year at Marseille.
Finally given his opportunity under Arteta, the Frenchman looked in cruise control against Crystal Palace on the opening day and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Saliba is now a trusted member of Arteta’s backline and is still only 21.
Expect him to climb this list.
7) Emile Smith Rowe
Though he is often left fighting for his place, Emile Smith Rowe will rightfully feel as though he has earned a starting place under Arteta.
Last season, the academy graduate managed 12 goal contributions in just 21 Premier League starts.
At 22, Smith Rowe should be in no rush, however, with Arsenal clearly waiting for the right moment for the midfielder to become a permanent starter.
This season, though, he has struggled with injury, and it remains to be seen how good he will be when he returns.
6) Gabriel
Gabriel has got to be one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League.
At 24, he has taken up the leading central defender role within what was previously a calamitous Arsenal backline.
The difference he has made is staggering. Last season, he was part of an Arsenal defence which conceded 48 goals – a record only four out of the classic top six sides could beat.
5) Gabriel Martinelli
Something tells us that in two years’ time, Gabriel Martinelli will sit at the top of this list, he’s simply that good.
For now, however, he very much remains a raw talent. And, that’s no criticism, either; it’s something that often gives defender’s nightmares – this brave, quick, and clever winger bundling forward.
Once more tactically aware, Martinelli could become one of the best players in the league, though.
He is continuing to sparkle every week as Arteta’s side chase some unlikely glory.
4) Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko has gone under the radar for far too long.
At Manchester City, whilst seeing it admitted is a rarity, the left-back was quietly one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable players in an incredible era of success.
Now at Arsenal, Zinchenko has been able to step into the spotlight and finally receive the credit that he deserves in the Premier League.
He’s made a huge difference, and has to go down as one of Arsenal’s best recent signings.
3) Martin Odegaard
When Martin Odegaard was on loan at Arsenal in the 2020/21 season, he never really stood out as someone destined to reach their incredibly high potential.
Yet, ever since the Gunners turned that loan move permanent, he has been on another level, as proved by his sensational numbers compared to other Premier League players last season.
Now the Arsenal captain, Odegaard will likely go from strength to strength as the seasons continue to roll by.
2) Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is a special player, that’s an undoubted fact.
He looks destined to reach the top of both English and European football, and is a major standout in the Arsenal squad.
Last season, he managed 19 goal contributions in all competitions as a constant threat.
At just 20-years-old, the only way is up for Arsenal’s talisman, who has already become a stalwart in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
1) Gabriel Jesus
To put it simply, Gabriel Jesus looks like a player fresh from winning an endless amount of trophies under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
In 14 games at the Gunners, thus far, he has scored five Premier League goals and laid on six assists.
He has struggled with injury, though, with Eddie Nketiah drafted in as the replacement to lead the line.
Once he comes back, he could well end up like a new signing.
Do you agree with our ranking? Or do you believe we’ve missed out certain players or placed some lower than expected? Let us know in the comments!
