4 players who could play huge roles at Arsenal during 2024/25 | OneFootball

After two consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will be heading into the 2024/25 season hoping that it's finally their year.

And with their young players all having another year of experience under their belt, and a few new signings coming in to strengthen some weak points in the team, many will be backing them to win their first league title in over two decades.

Here's the four players we at 90min think will be key to those title aspirations.

1. Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori has signed for Arsenal / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages

Although Arsenal held the best defensive record in the Premier League season, there was a clear weak point in that back four - left-back. That problems looks to have been addressed this summer with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The defender, who can play either as a centre-back or left-back, is an archetypal Mikel Arteta defender - one who can carrying the ball into midfield, and one who can also defend brilliantly through his expert reading of the game.

2. Kai Havertz

Havertz blew hot and cold last season / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

With rumours of Arsenal being keen to add a new number nine dying down somewhat, it looks like Kai Havertz will be tasked with leading the line during the 2024/25 season. And considering his form in the second half of last season, that trust has certainly been earned. If he can stretch that half-season form out into a full season of excellence, then the Gunners will be in with a real shout of winning the Premier League.

3. Gabriel Martinelli

Needs to be more consistent / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

It didn't quite happen for Gabriel Martinelli last season, did it? Injuries didn't help, but Martinelli's general performances weren't always up to scratch either to be honest. The wide forward needs to find a way to be a more consistent performer for the Gunners in 2024/25.

4. William Saliba

Saliba is top class / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

The most obvious pick on this list, but we can't not mention William Saliba. As evidenced by their capitulation after his injury two seasons ago, Saliba is a make-or-break player for Arsenal. If he's fit and playing week in, week out, the Gunners are genuine title challengers. If he's not, they're not. It's as simple as that.