Arsenal quartet nominated for prestigious PFA awards after title triumph

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Arsenal have received four nominations for the Professional Footballers’ Association awards following their Premier League title-winning campaign and run to the Champions League final.

David Raya, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes have all been named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. The Arsenal trio played key roles in the club’s Premier League title-winning campaign and run to the Champions League final.

Earlier this week, all three were also included in UEFA’s Champions League Team of the Season. They were previously shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Year award and were among the contenders for the FWA Footballer of the Year.

On both previous occasions, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes came out on top, seemingly benefiting from the Arsenal vote being split between multiple candidates. Fernandes is again in contention for the PFA prize, alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.

Young star makes remarkable breakthrough

In a remarkable development, Arsenal’s Max Dowman has made the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. The 16-year-old made just six Premier League appearances last season, but clearly left a lasting impression on his fellow professionals.

While he’s unlikely to claim the award, his memorable goal against Everton ensured an eye-catching breakthrough campaign. Dowman will compete with Cherki, teammate Nico O’Reilly, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha.

Arsenal’s PFA history

Only four Arsenal players have ever won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award – Liam Brady (1978/79), Dennis Bergkamp (1997/98), Thierry Henry (2002/03 & 2003/04) and Robin van Persie (2011/12).

The club has had more success in the Young Player category. Tony Adams (1986/87), Paul Merson (1988/89), Nicolas Anelka (1998/99), Cesc Fabregas (2007/08), Jack Wilshere (2010/11) and Bukayo Saka (2022/23) are previous winners of the PFA Young Player of the Year.

The nominations cap off a remarkable season for Arsenal, who secured their first Premier League title in over two decades while also reaching European football’s showpiece final. The multiple nominations across both categories reflect the depth of quality within Mikel Arteta’s squad and their collective contribution to the club’s historic campaign.