Arsenal’s dream squad for the 2025/26 season could turn the Gunners into serious title contenders if key targets arrive this summer. While Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have created a strong starting XI, depth issues cost them after Christmas. Arsenal did reach the Champions League semi-finals, but they fell ten points short in the Premier League, finishing behind Liverpool.
Their transfer strategy has often confused fans. In the last seven years, Arsenal signed six players from Chelsea. The latest move saw Kepa Arrizabalaga arrive for £5 million to back up David Raya. Surprisingly, the club has signed more goalkeepers than strikers or wingers under Arteta. This lopsided approach must change if Arsenal wants to compete on all fronts.
Raya remains the clear number one after winning back-to-back Golden Gloves. Kepa, now 30, replaces Neto as the backup. He performed well on loan at Bournemouth last season. Karl Hein continues to develop and completes the goalkeeping trio.
Defensively, Arsenal have been excellent. They conceded just 29 goals in 2023/24 and 34 in 2024/25, leading the league. Gabriel Magalhaes signed a new deal, and the club hopes to extend William Saliba’s contract amid Real Madrid’s interest. Jakub Kiwior impressed when Gabriel was injured and deserves his spot. Cristhian Mosquera, a 20-year-old from Valencia, could join for £17 million. If he arrives, Arsenal may drop plans for Jorrel Hato. With Kieran Tierney gone and Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to leave, Myles Lewis-Skelly could continue shining on the left. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori will also be key.
Midfield upgrades are also coming. Martin Zubimendi will join from Real Sociedad for around £50 million. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard will likely follow for £10 million as a backup. Declan Rice holds the left eight role and continues to dominate. Mikel Merino ended last season strongly and remains crucial. Martin Odegaard will lead in attack from midfield, while academy star Max Dowman might get his first senior minutes.
In attack, Arsenal must do more. Bukayo Saka is world-class, but last season proved he needs support. Ethan Nwaneri broke through and scored nine goals in 37 appearances. He’s now set to serve as Saka’s backup. On the left, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard underwhelmed with just ten goals each. Arteta wants upgrades here. Rodrygo and Eberechi Eze are the two names topping the wish list.
Rodrygo has barely played under new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. Talks with Arsenal are ongoing, with an £85 million move possible. Eze, once released by Arsenal at 13, dreams of returning. He scored 14 goals and delivered 11 assists last season. With a £68 million release clause, the deal seems within reach. David Ornstein reports that Eze’s deal is separate from the club’s winger pursuit, meaning both signings are still possible.
Arsenal’s need for a striker is urgent. Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games, remains the top target. Reports suggest he’s agreed personal terms, but the club must still meet Sporting’s valuation. If that fails, Benjamin Sesko is next in line. The 21-goal striker from RB Leipzig offers speed, power, and aerial threat. Arsenal may land him for £64 million. According to scouts, he could be “the new Haaland.”
With these additions, Arsenal’s dream squad would look elite. Raya guards the goal. Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, and White lock down the defense. Zubimendi, Rice, and Odegaard anchor the midfield. Up front, Saka, Eze, Rodrygo, and Sesko could lead a title charge. If Arteta gets his targets, Arsenal fans might finally witness a trophy-laden season at the Emirates.
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