Arsenal this year is putting up one of its finest performances in recent history and is part of yet another title race. The Gunners will be looking to get their hands on their first domestic trophy in over two decades, since the triumph of the infamous invincible season in 2003/04. Those that were once considered one of England's most dominant forces each season have been undergoing a period of transformation. The club faced a spell of disappointment, with poor domestic performances, early exits from competitions, and an overall letdown of the faithful supporters.

Since the arrival of former midfield maestro Mikel Arteta in the dugout, Arsenal have rebuilt themselves to a point of challenging once again. Whether it's spending money on star signings such as Declan Rice or trusting academy graduates like Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's success is down to a collective effort. Despite having an overall excellent team, there are some unsung names for the Gunners who are flying under the radar and shape football betting online odds regularly.

Riccardo Califiori

The versatile Italian defender has been a solid performer for Arsenal thus far in the 2025/26 season, playing in a range of positions but finding his home at left back. In his first season at the club after joining from Bologna, Riccardo Calafiori found it difficult to break into Arteta’s starting XI, with inconsistent gametime partly due to injuries.

In the current 25/26 season, Califiori has performed on both ends of the field, playing his part in one of the Premier League's strongest defences. Calafiori has also shown his attacking prowess for Arsenal, often being found in advanced positions in the final third, and even popping up with some important goals for the club.

With other defenders such as Gabriel and Saliba both cementing their claim as some of the best in the world, it often overshadows Calafiori and other Arsenal defenders. With solid performances in both the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League at the age of 23, it is expected that Calafiori will only get better with the club. Riccardo Calafiori has an incredible ability, combining a unique physical presence with technical skill, making him the perfect left-back for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

Mikel Merino

After a disappointing spell with Newcastle United in the Premier League, English football was not for the Spanish centre mid, with him struggling to adjust to the league's pace. Merino left the Premier League to return to La Liga, where he would stay for six years before returning to England. Merino joined Arsenal in 2024 and, at the time, seemed like a backwards step for Arsenal, although, over time, it has proved fruitful for the London giants.

In the 24/25 Premier League season for Arsenal, Mikel Merino was a reliable squad player, often coming off the bench and putting in strong performances despite his lack of minutes. After injuries to the strikers, Arteta deployed Merino as a striker, a new tactic that shocked the footballing world. In his first game in his new part-time position, he scored two goals in a 2-0 victory.

Coming into the 25/26 season, Merino retook up his role as a squad player, starting limited games. After injuries to strikers Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, Merino was once again deployed as a striker, leading the line for Arsenal. Once again, he has filled the role better than expected, linking up with play well and looking like a natural finisher in front of the goal. Thus far, Merino’s performances have been consistent and have exceeded what was expected from him when he arrived at the club.

Cristhian Mosquera

After arriving in the summer of 2025, Cristhian Mosquera has played a notable role for Arsenal so far. Mosquera was brought into the club as a signing for the future, but with a selection of injuries in the club's defence, he has been used more than originally anticipated. Mosquera is 21 years old and arrived at the club from Valencia after playing four years of first-team football.

The youthful Spanish centre back made his debut for the Gunners against Leeds in the 2025/26 Premier League season, and quickly impressed. Despite his young age, Mosquera has a unique sense of calmness in the defence, as well as incredible anticipation. He received his first true Premier League test in a fixture against Liverpool, when William Saliba got injured early on in the game. Despite losing the game, Mosquera impressed, delivering an incredible performance off the ball and being progressive in possession.

Similar to Calafiori, Mosquera flies under the radar due to the level of competition surrounding him. At 21, the future is bright for the Spanish centre-back, with a strong physical presence and technical ability, making him an incredible player profile that most clubs are looking for.