After finishing second in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons, Arsenal head into the 2025 summer with a strong sense of purpose.
Despite their consistent performances and a semi-final run in the Champions League last season, the Gunners once again ended the campaign without a trophy.
Mikel Arteta’s men have made progress, but there’s growing urgency around converting that progress into silverware. The pressure is now mounting, and this upcoming season could be pivotal not just for the club but for Arteta’s future as well.
There’s recognition that Arsenal are close to achieving major success, but marginal gains are needed. The board is reportedly ready to invest heavily in the squad, with £194 million potentially being spent on three major transfer targets.
If those signings go through, Arsenal’s starting XI could look considerably more balanced and dangerous heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
In goal, David Raya has established himself as the clear first-choice goalkeeper. His shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and confident distribution have cemented his role in the team.
His performance last season, including 13 clean sheets, answered any lingering questions about his readiness at the top level.
Defensively, the return of Jurrien Timber from injury could see him take over at right-back, pushing Ben White to a rotational role.
On the left, Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a serious contender after a breakout season, though he could face competition from new arrival Riccardo Calafiori.
At centre-back, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães remain the undisputed partnership—one of the best in the league—thanks to their perfect blend of poise and physicality.
Midfield is set for a major upgrade with the potential arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. He’s expected to partner Declan Rice, who remains a midfield powerhouse with his energy and defensive skills.
Zubimendi’s game-reading and ability to shield the backline would free Rice to operate further forward. Club captain Martin Ødegaard would complete the midfield trio, ideally thriving in a more advanced playmaking role.
Up front, Bukayo Saka is an automatic starter on the right, given his unmatched work ethic and attacking output. On the left, Arsenal are eyeing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes—an elite winger capable of unlocking defences with his flair and intelligence.
In the No. 9 role, Arsenal’s main target is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, a clinical striker whose goal-scoring prowess could solve the team’s long-standing issues up front.
If Arsenal successfully sign Zubimendi, Rodrygo, and Šeško, their new-look starting XI would not only be formidable but also balanced across all areas.
This could finally provide the foundation Arteta needs to lead the team to major honours. However, the ultimate challenge will be translating talent into trophies—a task the club must now deliver on.
