The Premier League season is reaching its climax and with it, comes the Player of the Year award. A few leading candidates have emerged from the title favourites, as Arsenal are stretching their lead at the top of the table. Declan Rice and Gabriel have been the standouts and sit among the bookies’ favourites to pick up the individual award.

But the Gunners duo are not the only players with a chance to end the season with honours. Manchester United captain and creator-in-chief Bruno Fernandes has spearheaded the Red Devils into the top three, a stunning turnaround from a bottom half finish last season and subsequent mediocrity under Ruben Amorim.

Eleven players have won the Premier League trophy with their respective clubs in the same year they received the award, with the ratio increasing in recent years, including last season’s winner, Mohamed Salah.

But voting typically takes place before the season is over and although Arsenal are currently leading the title race, there is no guarantee that they will finish on top.

And Manchester City have a few candidates of their own, who will especially grow in popularity if they are able to overtake Mikel Arteta’s side in the final few matches.

Erling Haaland remains the league’s top scorer and if City are to pile the pressure on Arsenal, it is likely to be through his goals.

But a second attacking threat has emerged under Pep Guardiola since January in Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghanaian, who arrived from Bournemouth for £65million, began his season in stunning form on the south coast before continuing in that same fashion at the Etihad.

But whether they are able to surpass the likes of Rice and Gabriel, who have been influential in transforming Arsenal into title favourites, remains to be seen.