As the new Premier League season dawns, Arsenal fans are brimming with optimism. Mikel Arteta has gradually been shaping his squad since taking charge in 2021, and he has made the Gunners a genuine contender once again for the first time in decades. In each of the last two seasons, the North London outfit has finished second in the title race with last term being particularly heartbreaking, losing out to Manchester City on the final day of the season.

This summer, the Spanish manager has already set to work. The arrival of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is all but confirmed following a stellar campaign for Italy at Euro 2024, and further arrivals are expected. Another star from the Euros Mikel Merino is rumored to also be on his way, as is Sporting Lisbon hitman Viktor Gyökeres, moves that have triggered soccer odds betting providers to slash prices on Arsenal winning the Premier League down to +175.

But with players rumored to be on their way into the club, there are a number of the current squad that should be looking over their shoulders. Here are four players who are set for a make-or-break campaign at the Emirates this season.

Thomas Partey

When Thomas Partey arrived from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2020, he was heralded as the missing piece in Arsenal’s midfield puzzle. His robust physical presence, combined with tactical intelligence, was expected to bring stability to an often fragile Gunners’ midfield. And while he has delivered plenty of impressive performances, injuries, inconsistency and a myriad of personal issues have marred his time in North London.

 

Last term, the 31-year-old missed over half the campaign with a hamstring issue. He managed to force his way back into the starting eleven throughout the season’s latter stages, but that wasn’t enough to bring the title to the Emirates for the first time since the Invincibles of 2004. With the likes of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber now in the club’s books, Partey must have an impressive season if he is to remain a Gunner. His contract expires in the summer of 2026 and he will almost certainly be shopped out in the not-so-distant future if he can’t prove that he can remain fit and deliver the level of performance expected from a player of his caliber.

Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney’s journey at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster. There was plenty of excitement about the Scottish left-back when he made the move south of the border from Celtic in 2019. Initially, he made the starting berth his own and showed glimpses of brilliance, with his marauding runs and leadership in an otherwise frail squad earning him plaudits from fans and pundits alike. Yet, like Partey, his stint at Arsenal has been plagued by injuries, preventing him from maintaining a consistent run in the team.

The addition of former Manchester City man Oleksandr Zinchenko saw Tierney drop down the pecking order, while the emergence of Jakub Kiwior also provided further competition. As such, the Scottish international found himself out on loan at Real Sociedad last term, and he didn’t pull up any trees in San Sebastian. Now, Tierney is at a crossroads. Does he stay and fight for his future at the Emirates or will he make a permanent move away?

The upcoming season might be his last chance to prove he can stay fit and be the reliable defender Arsenal need on the left flank. If he doesn’t seize this opportunity, his future at the club may be in jeopardy.

Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah has been on the fringes of the Arsenal first team for several seasons, often appearing as a substitute or in cup competitions. He has been given more and more opportunities in recent times courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ injury woes, but he hasn’t taken those opportunities as often as he – or his adoring Arsenal public desperate for him to succeed – would have liked.

For every brace against Manchester United, there have been two or three contests in which Nketiah hasn’t managed to put the ball in the net. With Jesus now fully fit and with the continued development of other attacking options such as Leandro Trossard, Nketiah’s opportunities might become scarce. As such, this season represents a crucial juncture for the young striker to establish himself as a reliable goal-scorer for the Gunners. Consistent performances and a healthy goal tally could secure his long-term future at the club; otherwise, he might find himself seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson’s career at Arsenal has been one of unfulfilled promises. Once touted as the next big thing from the Hale End Academy, Nelson has struggled to make a significant impact on the first team. Loan spells at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord have provided glimpses of his potential, but he has yet to nail down a regular spot in Mikel Arteta’s plans.

This season could be Nelson’s last chance to prove his worth to the club. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of him in the pecking order, Nelson needs to show he can be more than just a squad player. Whether it’s through impactful cameos off the bench or standout performances in cup competitions, Nelson must demonstrate he deserves a future at Arsenal. Another underwhelming season could see him leaving the club in search of consistent playing time.