Arsenal has finished second in the past two seasons. They might have a new-look group next time.
Arsenal have yet to make any acquisitions during the summer transfer season. However, Mikel Arteta intends to bring in additional reinforcements, which will affect part of the team. Before any new additions are made, it appears like some Arsenal players will struggle anyway. That said, here are five Arsenal players who will struggle for playing time in 2024/2025.
Five Arsenal players who will battle for playing time in 2024/2025
1. Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus' 2023–24 campaign was not particularly successful. As his worst critic, the Brazil international was the first to admit that he failed to meet his expectations last season. While he hopes to improve in the following season, his playing time will inevitably suffer.
Arsenal intends to start the 2024–2025 season with Kai Havertz as their main striker. This already hurts Jesus, especially because Mikel Arteta wants to bring in more winger reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
If Mikel Arteta completes his transfer ambitions, Gabriel Jesus will suffer. Now, two years later, his time at Arsenal has been nothing short of miserable. Injuries haven't helped Jesus, but he has struggled to fill the goal-scoring gap that Arsenal had hoped to fill.
As previously stated, next season will not be much easier for Jesus, barring any injuries or suspensions that may allow him more time.
2. Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior is in a bad situation. He primarily plays a position that is well covered by William Saliba and Gabriel. Of course, Mikel Arteta has successfully played Kiwior in a new position as a left-back, but this position is also quite competitive.
When Jurrien Timber returns from injury for the 2024–25 season, Jakub Kiwior's chances of landing a full-back place are slim. The Poland international is effectively surplus to requirements because he is not yet ready to start every match for a title-contending squad.
Kiwior's appeal stems from his ability to step in. However, counting on him in critical situations or huge games could be problematic. As a result, his best chance of playing time in the 2024–25 season will come off the bench in cup games. If Arteta continues to perform, he may be able to get into the first squad, but with Timber back, this is unlikely to happen.
3. Gabriel Marinelli
I hate to say it, but Gabriel Martinelli may have been pushed out of the starting lineup. Previously, Martinelli would start and Leandro Trossard would come off the bench, but Trossard's form has made benching him impossible. As a result, Martinelli could take a step back in the 2024–25 season.
It's a difficult decision, so it's unclear who Mikel Arteta would want to start with. However, regardless of who starts, the left side of the assault is almost certainly going to cause problems.
4. Fabio Vieira
Fabio Vieira struggled for playing time in the 2023–24 season, as he was largely forgotten by not only Mikel Arteta but also Arsenal supporters. Last season, Vieira started only two Premier League games and played a total of 292 minutes.
This is simply not acceptable for a player who is now 24 years old. He'll be hoping for more in the following season, but things don't appear promising at first.
Fabio Vieira has the advantage of having a free summer. Vieira did not make the Portugal squad for EURO 2024 (most likely due to his limited domestic playing time last season). As a result, he was able to train alongside players like Martin Odegaard and Ben White, who did not travel to Europe for competition.
Vieira's case is difficult since there is technical ability waiting to be discovered. Mikel Arteta may simply value the physical attributes of other players in Vieira's position. Unfortunately, he appears to be the second coming of Mesut Ozil.
5. Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah did not start a single game in 2024, since Kai Havertz was the favored striker. Given Arsenal's flurry of goals this calendar year, Nketiah was unable to contribute because he was not given enough time.
Nketiah played the most minutes in a single match during his 2024 stint (23 against West Ham and Luton). He was only given 23 minutes in both matches since Arsenal was in complete control of the game.
Unfortunately for Nketiah, I see this as an ongoing trend. While Mikel Arteta views him as a squad player, Nketiah must now be at the point in his career when a few minutes near the conclusion of a game mean nothing to him. He's 25 years old and should be at the prime of his career, after all.