Since taking charge of Arsenal in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has overseen a significant transformation at the club. From building a strong defensive spine to promoting young talent, Arteta has consistently relied on a core group of players to implement his tactical vision.
Here, we rank the top 20 players who have made the most appearances under his leadership, highlighting those who’ve been instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence.
20. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
once club captain and Golden Boot winner, rounds out the list with 76 appearances. Despite his controversial exit, his early goalscoring form was crucial in Arteta’s early tenure.
19. Takehiro Tomiyasu
has featured 83 times, often rotated due to his injury history. Still, his defensive solidity and two-footedness provide tactical flexibility.
18. Kai Havertz
often misunderstood early in his Arsenal career, has made 87 appearances. His adaptability in midfield and forward roles has gradually earned Arteta’s trust.
17. Aaron Ramsdale
once a fan favorite and Arteta’s first-choice keeper, has made 88 appearances. His distribution and shot-stopping were key during Arsenal’s climb back to the top four.
16. Gabriel Jesus
also sits on 96 appearances. Despite injury setbacks, the Brazilian has led the line with relentless energy and unselfish forward play.
15. David Raya
signed on loan before becoming permanent, has already featured in 96 games. Trusted over Ramsdale for his distribution and calmness, Raya has become Arteta’s No. 1.
14. Emile Smith Rowe
another academy product, comes next with 102 appearances. Injuries have slowed his momentum, but his role during the 2020–22 period was immense.
13. Leandro Trossard
has clocked 124 appearances since arriving from Brighton. His versatility and clutch goals have made him a valuable asset in rotation and off the bench.
12. Alexandre Lacazette
who departed in 2022, still makes the list with 103 appearances. The French forward was vital for his link-up play and pressing during Arteta’s transitional seasons.
11. Declan Rice
despite only joining in 2023, already has 103 appearances, showcasing just how crucial he’s become in midfield with his ball-winning ability and composure in possession.
10. Kieran Tierney
made 132 appearances, mainly in Arteta’s first few seasons. Though he’s featured less recently, his early form and tenacity played a key role in stabilizing the left flank.
9. William Saliba
after returning from loan, has racked up 134 appearances. His calmness, athleticism, and defensive IQ have elevated Arsenal’s back line to one of the best in the league.
8. Eddie Nketiah
surprisingly ranks high with 149 appearances. While often used as a squad option, his goal contributions and presence during injuries to key strikers kept him in regular contention.
7. Granit Xhaka
may have departed the club, but his 147 appearances under Arteta reflect the Swiss midfielder’s revival and importance during the early rebuild. His leadership and aggression were essential.
6. Ben White
originally brought in as a centre-back, has adapted seamlessly to right-back under Arteta. With 159 appearances, his versatility and technical ability have made him indispensable.
5. Thomas Partey
comes in fifth with 166 appearances. While injuries have sometimes hampered his rhythm, the Ghanaian has remained a key figure in shielding the defense and dictating tempo when fit.
4. Martin Ødegaard
Arsenal’s captain and creative engine, ranks fourth with 197 games. Since arriving from Real Madrid, Ødegaard has provided vision, leadership, and vital goals from midfield.
3. Gabriel Martinelli
another Brazilian talent, has made 207 appearances. His pace, intensity, and direct style of play have been pivotal to Arsenal’s pressing game and wide threat.
2. Gabriel Magalhães
the commanding Brazilian centre-back, follows with 209 appearances. Signed in 2020, Gabriel has been a mainstay in Arteta’s back line and key to the team’s aerial and physical dominance.
1. Bukayo Saka
leads the list with a remarkable 243 appearances. A Hale End academy graduate, Saka has been at the heart of Arteta’s attacking plans, consistently delivering goals, assists, and work rate down the right flank. His consistency and durability have made him Arsenal’s most trusted player.
All stats via transfer market and are accurate as at the time of this article
