Arsenal have been one of the best teams in the Premier League this season, and this naturally means that several key players have stood out among their peers.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been fighting Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side for the title, but unless the Champions now drop points, Arsenal are likely to fall just short.
Nevertheless, Arsenal have the best attacking and defensive records in the league, and a run of outstanding form with just one defeat in 16 games in 2024 has shown that they are capable of competing at the top end of the table.
Arsenal have also made themselves competitive with one of the youngest squads in the league, and this has been reflected in the Premier League Young Player Of The Year nominations.
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba nominated for Premier League Young Player Of The Year awards
The six nominees for the Premier League Young Player Of The Year award have now been announced, and two Arsenal players feature.
Players who are 23 or younger at the start of the season are eligible for the award, meaning that the shortlist contains established superstars as well as young talents.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, and centre-back William Saliba are among the six nominees, for which the winner will be announced on 18th May.
The other nominees are Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Arsenal target Alexander Isak joins Saka and Saliba in PL YPOTY nominees
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Isak, as Arteta is seemingly keen on adding a proven goalscorer to his squad.
Isak has been outstanding this season, with 20 goals in 27 league games, and he could be the perfect fit as a centre-forward or as a winger to add much-needed speed to the squad.
He will not come cheaply, as it has been reported that he would likely cost a minimum of £100m, if Newcastle are willing to let him leave.
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The 24-year-old has been on Arteta’s radar for some time, and the interest in him now following his nomination for the Young Player Of The Year award, highlights how Arsenal are targeting younger players, but stars who also have significant experience under their belts.
Isak would arrive as an option with the potential to improve, as a long-term signing, but who will also provide a lot of Premier League and European experience.