Premier League player of the season shortlist as Man Utd ace rivals Arsenal trio

 Arsenal stars Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel are amongst the top players vying to be crowned Premier League Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign.

The Gunners have delivered a magnificent season to date and could lift the title in the coming weeks. Mikel Arteta's squad currently hold a two-point advantage at the summit.

Several of their players have impressed throughout the campaign and have now earned recognition for the prestigious honour. The Premier League have confirmed that England midfielder Rice has received a nomination, having found the net four times and provided seven assists across 35 outings this season.

He will face competition from clubmates Raya and Gabriel, the duo having compiled a remarkable defensive record for Arsenal. Spanish shot-stopper Raya has registered 18 clean sheets in 36 matches and has already secured the Golden Glove.

He has undoubtedly benefited from Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, who has been commanding at the heart of defence for the Gunners, while also contributing three goals.

Title contender Erling Haaland predictably features among the contenders, having bagged 26 goals so far this campaign. The Norwegian striker is accompanied by City colleague Antoine Semenyo. He has 16 goals to his credit in the division, having turned out for Bournemouth before a January switch to Man City.

In the contest for the Golden Boot, the City pair have been challenged by Brentford and Brazil forward Igor Thiago, who has netted 22 league goals this term. He's also earned a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Season.

Over in Manchester, Bruno Fernandes has also bagged himself a nomination after a stellar campaign. The Portuguese has struck eight goals and supplied 19 assists to propel United back into the Champions League. The 31-year-old has already been crowned the FWA Player of the Year.

The final nominee is Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. He's scored an impressive 13 goals and chalked up four assists to steer the Midlands club clear of relegation worries.

Fans can cast their vote for their player of the season until midday on Monday 18 May. These votes will be combined with those from a panel of football experts to determine the winner, which will be officially announced next week.

Aside from the players, the Premier League have also unveiled the Manager of the Season nominees. Title contenders Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola are among the front-runners, while Michael Carrick is in the running having guided Manchester United back into the Champions League.

Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Brentford manager Keith Andrews and Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris have also received nominations.