Declan Rice, Gabriel, and David Raya are among six players nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's player of the year award, joining Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki on the shortlist.

The nominations come on the back of a landmark Premier League season for Arsenal, who claimed the title for the first time in 22 years. Rice, Gabriel, and Raya were central figures throughout that triumphant campaign.

Fernandes the man to beat

Fernandes enters the PFA vote as a strong favourite after winning the Football Writers' Association men's footballer of the year award earlier this month — a prize that has historically pointed towards the PFA winner. The Manchester United midfielder, 31, set a new Premier League record with 21 assists during the season as United secured a third-place finish.

Haaland, meanwhile, claimed the golden boot with 27 goals, while Cherki impressed in his debut Premier League campaign with Manchester City.

Salah the reigning champion

Mohamed Salah holds the title from last year, having scored 29 goals to drive Liverpool to the Premier League title. The Egypt forward will not be among those defending the award this cycle.

The winners across all categories will be announced at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony, held in Manchester on Tuesday, 25 August.