Dream Arsenal XI in 2025-26 season as Mikel Arteta lands three big-money transfers

Arsenal’s pursuit of greatness under Mikel Arteta is far from over, even as the 2024-25 season begins to wind down. While their Premier League title hopes are slipping away with each Liverpool win, there is a renewed buzz around the Emirates. The reason? A transfer masterplan spearheaded by new sporting director Andrea Berta — a man with a reputation for building championship-winning squads.

Having arrived from Atletico Madrid with an impressive resume, Berta is already shaking things up behind the scenes. His presence signals a bold new direction for Arsenal’s recruitment strategy, and early indications suggest fans could be in for a thrilling summer. With Arteta still chasing Champions League glory, preparations for the next chapter are well underway — and a dream starting XI for 2025-26 is beginning to take shape.

While the Gunners are likely to finish second in the league — trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points with just eight games to go — their attention is split between the domestic campaign and a make-or-break Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. However, no matter how this season ends, the summer rebuild is expected to be ambitious, with Berta targeting three blockbuster signings.

One name already making waves is Nico Williams. The electric Spanish winger, currently dazzling for Athletic Club, has been on Arsenal’s radar since his explosive Euro 2024 campaign. According to The Guardian, Berta has already held face-to-face talks with Felix Tainta, Williams’ agent — a move that signals Arsenal’s seriousness about finally adding a left-wing dynamo.

Last summer, Arsenal’s £100 million spend under Edu brought in key figures like the permanent acquisition of David Raya, but the absence of a true wide attacker was felt. Williams would offer blistering pace, flair, and directness down the flank — a perfect fit for Arteta’s high-octane system. If sealed, this deal could be the game-changer Arsenal missed in 2024.

But the Williams pursuit is only part of a wider plan. Arsenal are also closing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Long linked with Liverpool, the Spanish international has long been admired for his composure, passing range, and ability to anchor midfield. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to depart at the end of their contracts, Zubimendi would slot seamlessly into the base of Arteta’s three-man midfield.

The idea is simple: build a midfield trident with Declan Rice as the engine, Martin Odegaard as the creator, and Zubimendi as the shield. That trio could provide the perfect blend of physicality, control, and vision — a midfield to challenge Europe’s elite. Add to that the versatility of Riccardo Calafiori, who recently expressed a desire to evolve into a holding midfielder, and Arsenal’s depth takes another leap forward.

Calafiori’s evolution reflects a growing theme at the club: adaptability. The Italian defender, currently nursing an injury picked up during the international break, told Rivista Undici e Cronache that he is eager to learn and master a third role — midfield. His willingness to grow fits neatly into Arteta’s philosophy of multi-functional players capable of rotating seamlessly during games.

Defensively, the Gunners look solid on paper. William Saliba and Gabriel continue to forge one of the most feared centre-back partnerships in the league, with Jurrien Timber expected to return as a first-choice right-back. Young Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has enjoyed a breakout year, is also pushing for a regular role at full-back — a testament to Arsenal’s academy pipeline.

In goal, David Raya is now firmly established as the club’s number one. Though his arrival from Brentford sparked controversy, his shot-stopping and distribution have won over critics. Behind him, Aaron Ramsdale is likely to seek pastures new, but reinforcements may be brought in depending on Raya’s fitness and form.

Up front, the buzz around Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres refuses to die down. The powerful Sporting CP forward has been in red-hot form in Portugal, and according to The Guardian, Arsenal view him as a more feasible signing than Alexander Isak or Dusan Vlahovic. Benjamin Šeško remains on the radar too, but Gyökeres is the top target.

If Arsenal do secure Gyökeres, a front three of Saka, Gyökeres, and Williams would be among the deadliest in the Premier League. The pace and dribbling of Saka and Williams, combined with the strength and finishing of Gyökeres, could strike fear into any defence. That would also allow Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to rotate in or offer impact off the bench.

The big question then becomes: what happens to Kai Havertz? The German has shown flashes of quality but has struggled for consistency. A deeper midfield role could be the answer, allowing Arteta to deploy Havertz as a hybrid eight who can push forward or drop back depending on the match dynamics.

Before fans get too excited about the dream lineup, there’s still serious business to handle in the present. Arsenal’s Champions League campaign is alive and well, and as Declan Rice put it ahead of their clash with Real Madrid: “We can go down in the history books at this club… So, yes, exciting times.”

Arteta’s message is clear: stay with us, trust the process. With a young core, a tactical identity, and new leadership behind the scenes, Arsenal may be entering a golden era. The 2025-26 season could see them fielding a lineup capable of competing on all fronts — domestically and in Europe.

If Berta pulls off these three signings, the Emirates could witness a new dawn. After years of near-misses, the club is dreaming big — and this time, they might just make those dreams a reality.