Two Arsenal stars have just received ‘special’ award from PFA for what they did in the summer

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Arsenal have one of the best squads in the world.

The Gunners have challenged for the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons. They took the title race to the final day of the campaign in 2023/24.

That wouldn’t have been possible without a solid team, and despite a slow start to this season, Arsenal are expected to be in the title conversation come May.

All the focus is on the pitch now for the busy run of fixtures coming up, but two Arsenal stars’ achievements have been recognised with a ‘special’ award.

Arsenal’s David Raya and Mikel Merino win PFA awards

David Raya and Mikel Merino are both very important players for Arsenal.

The former joined the club initially on loan from Brentford in 2023. He displaced Aaron Ramsdale and went on to win the Golden Glove award. Arsenal signed Raya permanently in the summer.

Merino joined Arsenal back in August. Injuries have made things difficult for him, but he has shown his class with his performances against Liverpool and Chelsea.

The two Spaniards are brilliant players for Arsenal, but they are integral to their national team too.

Raya and Merino were in the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 in Germany. The goalkeeper played just one game, while the latter featured in every single fixture and even scored the winner in the quarter-final.

On Friday, the two Arsenal stars were given ‘special achievement awards’ by the PFA for winning the Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer.

The PFA’s social channels wrote: “PFA special achievement awards delivered to Raya and Merino. Recognition for their outstanding Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.”

Merino is going to be a star at Arsenal

Things have not been easy for Merino following his move to Arsenal this summer.

The Spaniard had no proper pre-season because of his involvement in Euro 2024, and Merino suffered an injury in his very first training session after his transfer.

We saw signs of Merino’s quality in the draw against Liverpool, while his cameo against Chelsea just before the international break was magnificent.

We expect Merino to get a consistent run of games in the coming weeks and months, and we think the Spain international will become a star.

His game intelligence is up there with the best, and alongside his good pal Odegaard, we are convinced he is going to deliver.