Arsenal’s transformation on and off the pitch since Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of sensational, allowing the club to once again compete for Premier League titles.
Off the pitch, the recruitment side of things has massively improved, with the club now signing talents from all over the world in their attempts to end their two-decade title drought.
William Saliba would’ve been an unknown quantity to the vast majority of supporters before his arrival, but in his two years as a first-team member, he’s now cemented his starting role and now looks like one of the best defenders in Europe.
However, there’s a feeling around the Emirates that this season could be third time lucky for the Gunners, potentially allowing two rather underrated players to play key roles in their respective positions.
Trossard & Timber’s stats in 2024/25
Winger Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal for £27m during the January transfer window back in 2023, after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, with the Ukrainian moving to Chelsea instead.
However, missing out on the 23-year-old was a blessing in disguise, with the Belgian having a huge impact on Arteta’s side after his move to North London.
He notched 17 goals in all competitions last season, already finding the back of the net twice in the 2024/25 season, operating in a plethora of different roles in the process.
His versatility can see him play off either flank alongside a centre-forward role or even as number 10 – offering Arteta the option in attacking areas to provide the difference in those cagey affairs.
As for Jurrien Timber, his emergence this season feels as though he’s a new signing, despite joining the Gunners for £38m last season.
The Dutchman pretty much missed the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign after sustaining an ACL injury on his debut against Nottingham Forest.
The defender only notched a total of three appearances in all competitions, but this season he’s already played eight times – even dislodging Ben White from the right-back position.
