Arsenal finally ended their long wait for a Premier League title in 2025-26, holding off Manchester City to secure their first league crown since 2004.
Mikel Arteta’s side proved they have what it takes after years of doubt and failure, with the Champions League potentially set to follow if they can find a way to upstage Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
But winning the title is one thing. Staying there is another.
The challenge now is building a squad capable of defending the Premier League and competing once again in the Champions League.
Arsenal have strengthened significantly over the past two years, yet there are still decisions to make around squad depth, ageing players and several attackers whose futures remain unclear.
Here, we look at who should stay, who should go and who could benefit from a loan move.
Table of Contents
GOALKEEPERS
David Raya
Established himself as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign. Calm in possession, reliable under pressure and perfectly suited to Arteta’s style.
KEEP
Kepa Arrizabalaga
A strong backup option with experience at the highest level. Comfortable playing out from the back and dependable enough to rotate when required.
KEEP
Tommy Setford
Still highly regarded internally but far from first-team level. Needs regular senior football soon to continue his development.
LOAN
DEFENDERS
William Saliba
One of the best central defenders in world football. Arsenal’s entire defensive structure looks stronger with him in the side and he remains indispensable.
KEEP
Gabriel
The perfect partner for Saliba. Aggressive, dominant aerially and increasingly comfortable in possession. Vital to Arsenal’s balance.
KEEP
Ben White
Played the team game this season, at right-back, left-back or anywhere else. As far as squad players go, you cannot get much better.
KEEP
Jurrien Timber
Injuries disrupted parts of his season again, but his technical quality and versatility are enormous assets. Can play across the entire back line comfortably.
KEEP
Riccardo Calafiori
Showed why Arsenal pushed hard to sign him. Aggressive defensively and excellent carrying the ball forward. Still adapting fully to English football but already looks like an important player.
KEEP
Myles Lewis-Skelly
One of the breakout stars of the season. Mature performances beyond his age and clearly trusted by Arteta.
KEEP
Piero Hincapie
A very useful option across multiple defensive positions.
KEEP
Cristhian Mosquera
Still developing but impressed when he did play this season. Arsenal rate him highly, but regular football may be better next season.
LOAN
MIDFIELDERS
Martin Odegaard
The captain remains the creative heartbeat of the side. His leadership and pressing intensity continue to set the tone for Arsenal.
KEEP
Declan Rice
Arguably Arsenal’s most influential player across the entire campaign. Dominates defensively, drives the team forward and consistently delivers in big matches.
KEEP
Martin Zubimendi
A seamless fit into Arteta’s midfield structure. His composure in possession and positional intelligence elevated Arsenal’s control in major games.
KEEP
Mikel Merino
An important squad player who contributed in multiple roles throughout the season. Reliable depth is crucial for Arsenal’s ambitions.
KEEP
Christian Norgaard
Brings experience, but at this stage of his career is likely more of a rotational option.
KEEP
FORWARDS
Bukayo Saka
Still Arsenal’s most decisive attacking player. Injuries disrupted parts of his season but his importance to the side remains obvious.
KEEP
Viktor Gyokeres
Looks exactly like the striker Arsenal had been missing. Powerful, relentless and capable of producing goals consistently at the highest level.
KEEP
Eberechi Eze
Added unpredictability and creativity to Arsenal’s attack. Gives Arteta another player capable of breaking games open individually.
KEEP
Gabriel Martinelli
Still a major threat with his direct running and intensity. Needs greater consistency in front of goal, could Arsenal look to upgrade this summer?
SELL
Kai Havertz
A divisive player externally but hugely valued internally because of his versatility and tactical intelligence. Continues to contribute in multiple positions.
KEEP
Leandro Trossard
An extremely useful squad player who consistently delivers important moments. Comfortable starting or coming off the bench.
KEEP
Noni Madueke
Still inconsistent, but has filled in well when Saka is not available. Arsenal should continue developing him rather than making a rushed decision.
KEEP
Gabriel Jesus
Injuries continue to disrupt his rhythm and Arsenal have now clearly moved beyond relying on him as their main striker. With Gyokeres arriving, this may be the right time to move him on.
SELL
OUT ON LOAN
Karl Hein
Needs permanent senior football rather than another season as a backup goalkeeper. A move away may suit all parties.
SELL
Jakub Kiwior
Performed well during his loan spell and is probably good enough to start regularly elsewhere. Arsenal may choose to cash in while his value is high.
SELL
Fabio Vieira
Technically gifted but has never fully adapted physically to Premier League football. A permanent move may now be best for his career.
SELL
Ethan Nwaneri
One of the brightest young talents at the club. Whether Arsenal loan him or integrate him further into the first team will depend on expected minutes next season.
LOAN
Reiss Nelson
A useful squad option but injuries and inconsistency have stalled his progress again. It may finally be time for a permanent departure.
SELL
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