Predicting the Arsenal Starting Line-up for 2025/26

Last Updated on 03/08/2025 by Andy Clark

It’s been so close for Arsenal the past few seasons. No one can deny that Arsenal are getting better, as shown by Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final run and a third successive Premier League runners up finish. As the new season kicks off, there’s a growing belief among players and supporters alike: this could finally be the year Arsenal end their trophy drought and lift major honours once again. but how will the Arsenal starting line-up look for the first game of the 2025/26 season?.

Arsenal Transfer Signings & Rumours

Let’s start with the transfers, because Arsenal haven’t held back this summer. Arsenal wasted no time in the window, locking in Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for an initial £55.3million, a fee that could climb to £64million. After a prolific season in Portugal, which included an astonishing 54 goals, Gyökeres comes in as the commanding centre-forward fans have long asked for. Building Arsenal’s midfield, Mikel Arteta landed Martin Zubimendi, snapped up from Real Sociedad for £56million. A classy midfielder who keeps things ticking, Zubimendi slides straight into midfield as both anchor and deep playmaker. Attacking width has also been bolstered: Noni Madueke switched from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £52million. His direct dribbling, pace, and Premier League know-how add variety and threat from the left. In defence, Arsenal secured Christhian Mosquera from Valencia for around £13million, a rising Spanish talent lauded for versatility across the backline. Midfield depth and experience arrived with Christian Nørgaard from Brentford (£15million), whose leadership and work ethic complement Arsenal’s high-energy style. Arsenal also moved quickly to snap up Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, offering experienced competition for the No.1 shirt, though David Raya remains Arteta’s trusted first choice. Meanwhile, key departures like Jorginho, Marquinhos, Partey, Tavares, Tierney, and Tomiyasu cleared the way for new faces.

Arsenal’s Predicted Starting XI

Arsenal under Arteta play with intelligent positioning and fierce pressing, usually in a 4-3-3. The left-back slides into midfield, and suddenly the shape is more attack-minded, almost like a 3-2-5. The midfielders keep things ticking over, the wingers stretch the play out wide, and the full-backs switch between dropping into midfield or making daring runs up the pitch. One thing’s for sure: they press really hard, constantly hunting the ball upfield, which puts pressure on the other team and helps set up loads of chances for Arsenal. Goalkeeper: David Raya Right-back: Jurrien Timber Centre-back: William Saliba Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes Left-back: Myles Lewis-Skelly Defensive midfield: Martin Zubimendi Deep-lying midfield: Declan Rice Attacking midfield: Martin Ødegaard (captain) Right wing: Bukayo Saka Left wing: Noni Madueke Centre-forward: Viktor Gyökeres

Arsenal’s Squad Depth and Rotation

What really stands out this year is just how deep Arsenal’s squad has become. David Raya’s got top-class competition with Kepa Arrizabalaga around and even youngster Karl Hein looking to impress. In defence, it’s more than just Saliba and Gabriel holding things down—you’ve got reliable backups like Ben White, Mosquera, Kiwior, and Zinchenko, giving Arteta options for every situation. Plus, with Saka and Madueke flying down the wings and Gyökeres leading the line, there’s a real threat every time Arsenal attacks. Martinelli, Havertz, and Smith Rowe can all switch around, so the team never loses momentum, no matter who’s on the pitch.

Conclusion

So, is this finally Arsenal’s season? The talent is there, the tactics are sharp, and the squad is deeper than ever. If the new signings hit the ground running and everyone stays fit, there’s every reason to believe fans will be celebrating come May.