Arsenal have experienced one of their most impressive Premier League seasons in recent memory. They achieved a second-place finish in the table, securing Champions League football for the first time in seven long years.
The north London giants capped off their solid 2022-23 campaign with a resounding 5-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on the final matchday, collecting 84 points as a process and matching their highest-ever win tally (26) in the domestic league.
Furthermore, a successful campaign has undeniably rejuvenated the Arsenal squad and brought back a sense of optimism and belief among the fans. However, Mikel Arteta knows his squad is nowhere near the finished article and will require strengthening to compete for the Premier League title again.
What happens over the summer transfer window remains to be seen, but this current Arsenal squad—already loaded with talent—are taking steps in the right direction. On that note, here are three players to look forward to in the 2023-24 season.
- Gabriel Jesus
Before the Qatar World Cup, Gabriel Jesus was among Arsenal’s standout players. However, his season was cruelly interrupted by a knee injury that kept him on the sidelines for more than three months.
After initially being phased into the team, Jesus started 10 Premier League games in a row since the March international break and scored six goals—a very good record for someone recovering from such a long layoff. The Brazilian forward ended his first season in north London with 11 goals and seven assists in 26 Premier League appearances.
If not for an unfortunate knee injury, Jesus could have scored a lot more goals and helped Arsenal battle Man City for the title until the very last. Having recovered fully from his injury, he will certainly be a player to watch out for next term.
- Bukayo Saka
For a player so young and gifted, there aren’t many better than Bukayo Saka. The 21-year-old enjoyed a fantastic season, scoring 14 goals and supplying 11 assists in 38 Premier League games, and his productivity and availability throughout the season almost led Arsenal to their first league title since 2004.
The England international has become indispensable to Arteta’s squad, increasing his attacking numbers and building partnerships with the likes of Martinelli, Odegaard and Jesus in the Arsenal attack. Many forget that Saka is just 21 and is burdening the responsibility of his massive club with ease and poise.
It will be interesting to watch whether Saka can hit the same heights or better his last season’s numbers and spearhead the Gunners’ title charge in the 2023/24 campaign.
- Martin Odegaard
Undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s most valuable players, Martin Odegaard had a standout season. With 15 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances, the creative midfielder contributed to his team’s productivity, energy, drive and fight last season.
At 24, the way Odegaard led this young Arsenal side was commendable. He took responsibility and helped the Gunners recover from small setbacks. The Norwegian international will be crucial to Arsenal’s return to being one of England’s best, and while his levels dipped at the fag end of this past campaign, many will be looking forward to seeing what Odegaard has to offer during 2023/24.