5 Arsenal players who have no choice but to step-up in 2024/25

For Arsenal fans, there is a growing sense of "now or never" as the 2024/25 season approaches. In the last two campaigns, Mikel Arteta's men came annoyingly close. Not to add to the gloomy "what if" feeling, but there are 5 Arsenal players in particular who must improve next season. Here are 5 Arsenal players who have no choice but to step-up in 2024/25...

5 Arsenal players who have no choice but to step-up in 2024/25

1. Fabio Vieira

There will only be one player out of Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira who is sold in the summer. Given that there is still a glimmer of hope surrounding Vieira and Arteta is clearly a fan of him, it is more than likely that Vieira stays.

However, it goes without saying that it's last-chance saloon for the Portgual international. After an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign, he simply has to step up in 2024/25.

Last season, Vieira made just 11 Premier League appearances. This is a drastic step down from the 2022/23 season, where he made 22 Premier League appearances. While injuries didn't work in his favour, he struggled to assert his authority on the team whenever he was given the chance.

Vieira is clearly a talented player who has the ability to switch it on. He has shown moments of brilliance and his precision passing has proven pivotal in big moments (for example for the Jesus goal vs Man United this season AND the Martinelli goal vs Aston Villa last season).

A bright season next time out will reignite the belief about Vieira again. However, if he fails to impress yet again, it must be said that it's time to contemplate a sale.

Continued on the next slide...