Football is back as the Premier League gears up for another exciting season. As in recent years, the big question on every fan’s mind is whether any club can stop Manchester City’s dominance.
Arsenal has emerged as the most likely contender to dethrone the reigning champions of English football. Last season, the Gunners finished just two points behind Pep Guardiola’s side after an impressive run of 16 wins in their final 18 matches.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed pride in his team’s performance during the 2023/24 campaign, despite City clinching the title for the second consecutive season. He assured fans that Arsenal would continue striving to end their 20-year wait for a league title.
“All this is happening because you started believing,” Arteta said at the end of the season at the Emirates Stadium. “You started to be patient and began to understand what we were trying to achieve. All credit goes to the players and staff. Don’t be sad—we want much more, and we’re going to get it.”
Arsenal has strengthened their squad with some key additions, including Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for a reported £42 million on a long-term contract. The 22-year-old arrives at the Emirates Stadium on a five-year deal after representing Italy at Euro 2024.
“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal,” Arteta said. “He’s a fantastic signing who adds significant strength to our defense. Riccardo brings a big personality and specific skills that will make us stronger as we push for major trophies.”
Calafiori is Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer transfer window, following David Raya’s permanent move from Brentford after his loan spell.
So, where does Calafiori rank among Arsenal’s top earners? Below is a list of the highest-paid players at Arsenal for the 2024/25 season, with data from capology.com and spotrac.com.
**Highest-paid players at Arsenal for 2024/25:**
=1. Kai Havertz – £280,000 per week
=2. Gabriel Jesus – £265,000 per week
=3. Declan Rice – £240,000 per week
=4. Martin Odegaard – £240,000 per week
5. Thomas Partey – £200,000 per week
6. Bukayo Saka – £195,000 per week
7. William Saliba – £190,000 per week
8. Gabriel Martinelli – £180,000 per week
=9. Oleksandr Zinchenko – £150,000 per week
=10. Ben White – £150,000 per week
=11. Aaron Ramsdale – £120,000 per week
=12. Riccardo Calafiori – £120,000 per week
=13. Kieran Tierney – £110,000 per week
=14. Jorginho – £110,000 per week
=15. Gabriel Magalhaes – £100,000 per week
=16. Takehiro Tomiyasu – £100,000 per week
=17. Eddie Nketiah – £100,000 per week
=18. Reiss Nelson – £100,000 per week
=19. Jurrien Timber – £90,000 per week
=20. Leandro Trossard – £90,000 per week
=21. Jakub Kiwior – £58,000 per week
=22. Fabio Vieira – £45,000 per week
=23. Marcus Alencar – £30,000 per week
*Note: David Raya’s weekly salary has not been confirmed following his permanent move from Brentford.*
