Arsenal’s Ideal Starting XI for 2025/26 if £194m Trio is Secured

After finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive season, Arsenal find themselves on the edge of glory—but still just shy of it. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners once again displayed consistency and determination throughout the 2024/25 campaign, yet ultimately fell short in their quest for silverware. With a semi-final exit in the Champions League and no domestic trophies to their name, the North London side enters the summer with serious ambitions to rewrite that narrative.

Arteta’s project at Arsenal has garnered widespread praise. He’s overseen the transformation of the club’s playing style and integrated a new generation of talents. However, the lack of major honours has led to murmurs that this summer could be decisive—not just for the team, but for Arteta himself. Patience is wearing thin, and a failure to deliver trophies in the upcoming season may force the club’s hierarchy to consider a managerial shake-up.

This reality places added emphasis on the upcoming transfer window. Arsenal’s board is reportedly prepared to back Arteta with a substantial war chest to bridge the final gap to success. If the club manages to secure its top three summer targets—reportedly worth a combined £194 million—it could dramatically reshape the Gunners’ starting eleven for the 2025/26 campaign.

Between the sticks, David Raya has locked down the No. 1 spot. After a season marked by 13 clean sheets and several match-saving interventions, the Spaniard has silenced any doubters who questioned his ability to make the step up from Brentford. With his calm distribution and reflex saves, Raya offers the perfect foundation for Arsenal’s build-from-the-back philosophy.

The defense could undergo a slight shakeup, particularly at full-back. While Ben White has been reliable, Jurrien Timber’s return from injury and promising form give him a strong case to start at right-back. On the opposite flank, the battle between Riccardo Calafiori and academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly is heating up. Lewis-Skelly, despite his youth, has impressed with his maturity and tactical awareness, earning Arteta’s trust in key matches.

At the heart of defense, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães remain undisputed. Their chemistry has been the bedrock of Arsenal’s defensive solidity. While Jakub Kiwior offers capable cover, Saliba and Gabriel’s ability to complement each other—combining elegance and aggression—makes them near-impossible to displace when fit.

Moving into midfield, Declan Rice continues to be Arsenal’s engine. The England international brings leadership, tenacity, and an ever-improving eye for goal. Yet, one area where Arsenal lacked balance last season was in shielding the backline when Rice pushed forward. Enter Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad midfield general is reportedly on the brink of a move to North London and would offer the perfect foil for Rice. His ability to read the game, break up play, and distribute efficiently could elevate Arsenal’s midfield structure.

Captain Martin Ødegaard rounds out the trio in midfield. Though he divided opinion at times last season due to inconsistent form, Ødegaard remains one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders. A settled midfield with Zubimendi behind him and Rice beside him could unlock the Norwegian’s full potential, allowing him more freedom to dictate tempo and thread killer passes.

In attack, few names are more vital than Bukayo Saka. The England winger has become synonymous with Arsenal’s success. His consistency, work rate, and eye for goal make him arguably the first name on Arteta’s team sheet. If fit, there’s no debate—Saka starts on the right wing.

The centre-forward position, however, continues to be Arsenal’s Achilles heel. Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposed the lack of a true No. 9. Mikel Merino filled in at times, but his future lies deeper in midfield. That’s where Benjamin Šeško comes in. The Slovenian striker bagged 21 goals for RB Leipzig last season and has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. His height, movement, and lethal finishing could finally give the Gunners a proper focal point in attack.

On the left wing, Gabriel Martinelli’s struggles with form and injury have opened the door for potential reinforcements. Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid is reportedly a high-priority target. The Brazilian winger, known for his dribbling, vision, and knack for scoring in big moments, could offer Arsenal a world-class option on the left flank. Signing him would not only bolster the team but also send a strong message to rivals about Arsenal’s ambitions.

If Arsenal lands all three targets—Zubimendi, Šeško, and Rodrygo—the team would gain a balance it’s lacked in recent seasons. The addition of a true defensive midfielder, a clinical striker, and an elite winger would address nearly every major concern raised over the last campaign.

This potential XI not only looks strong on paper but also tactically cohesive. The spine of Raya, Saliba, Rice, and Šeško provides strength through the middle, while wide players like Saka and Rodrygo inject flair and unpredictability. Ødegaard, operating behind Šeško, could thrive with runners stretching the opposition on both sides.

Here’s how the Gunners could line up for the 2025/26 season if all goes according to plan:
GK: David Raya
DEF: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Myles Lewis-Skelly
MID: Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard
FWD: Bukayo Saka, Benjamin Šeško, Rodrygo Goes

With this lineup, Arsenal would not only be among the favourites for the Premier League title but would also have the tools to go deep in the Champions League again. The pressure will be on Arteta to deliver silverware, but for the first time in decades, the Gunners could boast the kind of squad depth and talent capable of conquering Europe.

The challenge, of course, lies not just in assembling the squad, but in ensuring cohesion, consistency, and resilience across a grueling season. Arsenal fans have heard promises before—this time, they want results.

The summer of 2025 could go down as the turning point in Arsenal’s modern era. Whether it brings glory or further frustration depends on what happens next in the boardroom, on the training pitch, and eventually, on the field.