Alan Shearer Names Three Arsenal Stars in Premier League Player of the Season Race

Alan Shearer has named three Arsenal FC players he believes should be strong contenders for the Premier League Player of the Season award — but only if the Gunners go on to win the title.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the Newcastle United legend highlighted David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, and Declan Rice as standout performers in Mikel Arteta’s squad this season.

Arsenal remain in a commanding position in the title race and know that victories over Burnley FC and Crystal Palace in their final two matches would secure the Premier League crown ahead of Manchester City.

Shearer praised the trio for their consistency throughout the campaign, suggesting that Arsenal’s defensive solidity and midfield dominance have been key to their title challenge. He also acknowledged Bruno Fernandes as another deserving candidate, noting how vital the Manchester United captain has been to his team’s success.

“He has been outstanding. God knows where Manchester United would be without him,” Shearer said of Fernandes.

Opinion

Alan Shearer’s choices reflect a broader truth about Arsenal’s title push: it has not been built solely on flashy attackers, but on a strong defensive core and control in midfield. Players like David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, and Declan Rice may not always dominate headlines, but their consistency has been crucial.

Declan Rice, in particular, has transformed Arsenal’s midfield with leadership and composure, while Raya and Gabriel have provided stability at the back. If Arsenal lift the trophy, their contributions will be difficult to ignore in the Player of the Season conversation.

Still, the award often favors attacking players who produce goals and assists. That makes Shearer’s view refreshing — it highlights that winning a title is often shaped just as much by defensive excellence as by attacking brilliance.