Arsenal legend names surprise candidate who will be key to Premier League title push as Gunners seek to end 21-year drought

Arteta’s side have finished runners-up three seasons in a row, pushing both Manchester City and Liverpool close, but never close enough. This time, though, there’s a new belief, and a new name Wilshere insists could make all the difference.

Arsenal’s summer shopping spree included Viktor Gyokeres, the powerful Swedish striker recruited to ease the burden on Bukayo Saka. The midfield remains driven by the calm control of Martin Odegaard, the leadership of William Saliba in defence, and the safe hands of David Raya in goal. Yet, for Wilshere, the player who could define Arsenal’s title charge this season isn’t one of the headline-grabbing forwards or playmakers. It’s the quietly commanding Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, the man he calls Arsenal’s secret weapon.

In an interview with Drive, Wilshere couldn’t hide his admiration for Timber and said, "The one that I really love is Timber. I think, apart from number nine and in goal, he gives you something in every single position. He’s aggressive, he wins his duels, he looks like a leader."

Timber’s journey from Amsterdam to North London has been one of seamless adaptation. In just over a year, he’s made 59 appearances for Arsenal and cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this campaign. He’s started six of Arsenal’s eight games across the Premier League and Champions League this season, and his influence shows no sign of waning.

Arsenal have made a solid start to their latest title tilt, winning four of their opening six league games and sitting just two points behind leaders Liverpool. With confidence growing and the squad looking more complete than ever, optimism is spreading across North London. On Saturday, the Gunners face West Ham in another crucial Premier League test. Victory there could see Arteta’s men ramp up the pressure on their rivals and reinforce Wilshere’s belief that Arsenal are ready to finally break the curse.