2025 has been an eventful year for Arsenal, with some players leaving more of a mark than others.
A lot of changes were made to the Arsenal squad during the summer transfer window, as eight new players arrived to boost Mikel Arteta’s options.
While some have lost their places to accommodate the new arrivals, others have stood firm to write their own narrative, some even transforming their careers.
From Mikel Merino’s position change back in March to Declan Rice’s brilliance all year round, here are Arsenal Insider’s top five players of 2025.
Arsenal’s best player of 2025 has been _____ because ________.
Arsenal’s top five players of 2025 ranked
Mikel Merino – 5th
In fifth place comes Merino, who had a tremendous year in front of goal for club and country.
The Spaniard started the year as a central midfielder with a weak claim to the first team and is ending it as arguably Arteta’s best striker.
Merino is considered to be Arsenal’s best goalscorer at present, which is difficult to argue given the numbers he’s racked up over the year.
It’s been a career-altering year for the 29-year-old, who will be hungry to cement his position in both the Arsenal and Spain squad.
David Raya – 4th
Merino is the only attacker on our list, which says all that needs to be known about Arsenal’s front line at present.
We now move from the front to the back, as fourth in our rankings is David Raya.
Raya is perfect for Arsenal, and despite the rare error, the Spaniard has stepped up to save his team many times over the year.
It’s been a fantastic year for Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, who hasn’t looked back since making the move to the club in 2023.
Tell us what percentage of Premier League goalkeepers YOU THINK could make this save.
Jurrien Timber – 3rd
In third place comes Jurrien Timber, which tells the tale of how highly contested the top three is.
Timber has been one of the best right-backs in the world of late, being an ever-reliable, consistent defender in Arteta’s back four.
The only wish the Arsenal manager will have with Timber is that he could clone the Dutchman, who is absolutely flying.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 2nd
The top two spots were difficult to call, but in second place, just shy of first, comes Gabriel.
Gabriel has been called one of the most influential players in the Premier League, let alone just at Arsenal, which paints the picture of his growing importance in the squad.
From defensive strength to goalscoring to leading by example, our King of Brazil has it all.
A year to remember was capped off with Gabriel signing a new contract, committing his future to Arsenal for years to come.
Have Arsenal ever had a better defensive partnership than William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes? If yes, tell us who!
Declan Rice – 1st
It will come as little surprise to see Rice take the crown of Arsenal Insider’s best Arsenal player of 2025.
Somehow, Rice is getting better and better under Arteta, with his £105m price tag looking like a bargain every time he steps on the pitch.
There are few players in world football as good as Arsenal’s number 41 is right now, and the best is yet to come for the midfielder.
Aside from seeking silverware at Arsenal, Wayne Rooney has backed Rice to become England captain, with the 2023 signing recognised as one of the best domestically and internationally.
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