After finally winning the Premier League last season, Arsenal will be desperate now to create an era-defining dynasty under Mikel Arteta. One way to do that would be to finally win the Champions League, having lost in the final to Paris Saint-Germain in May.
The most obvious way to improve their chances will be to go into the summer market and sign some big-name stars. The club have been linked with a whole host of exciting players, and if they land their biggest targets, the squad could really start to look rather frightening for their opponents.
With that in mind, here is a possible XI Arsenal could field in 2026/27, with some of their dream transfers squeezed into the starting line-up.
Goalkeeper and Defence
David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa
At the back, Arsenal don't need to do much. After all, they already have perhaps the strongest backline in world football. David Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove for the third season in a row last time out, and he was helped by key centre-back duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Worryingly, Saliba could miss out on pre-season and the early stages of the new campaign with a back injury. This is where the need for Ezri Konsa comes in. The Gunners have been linked with the Aston Villa and England star, and he could be a very clever signing.
Not only could Konsa cover centre-back, but he could also fill in at right-back if needed, as shown with this potential line-up. Jurrien Timber and Ben White are brilliant full-backs, but had their own injury issues last term, meaning Cristhian Mosquera had to start on the flank in the Champions League final.
A move for Konsa would give Arteta great depth at centre-back and right-back. At left-back, he is well stocked with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie both capable of playing key minutes, while young Myles Lewis-Skelly is a great third-choice option as well.
Midfield
Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Parkvia Reuters
It's no secret that Arsenal are after a new central midfielder this summer, and the Gunners seem fairly close to landing Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes. A deal worth around £80m could see him arrive at the Emirates this summer.
The Brazilian ace would be able to form a frightening pivot alongside key man Declan Rice, but also has the adaptability to play as either the six or the eight. Should Arteta want to slightly tweak things – with Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard alternative options in that part of the pitch – Guimaraes could comfortably slot alongside any of those four.
Completing the midfield three alongside Guimaraes and Rice, captain Martin Odegaard had a fine World Cup and this would be a formidable trio if he can maintain his fitness and rediscover his best form over the coming season. Arteta also has Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri as alternatives should he want more direct goal threat from his attacking midfielder.
arsenal psg Related
Every Arsenal Player's Wages [2026]
Every Arsenal player's wages have been listed, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
Attack
Bukayo Saka, Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in action
Finally, in attack, Arsenal could really supercharge things. Many felt their defence won them the Premier League last season, so this is one area which could be improved over the summer. The early rumours suggest that Arteta and his staff want to do just that.
On the left, so long as he can stay fit, Bukayo Saka will bring great quality and composure, while Noni Madueke has proven to be a capable deputy when called upon. But in the other two positions, things get really exciting.
On the opposition flank, the Gunners have been linked with a hugely ambitious move for Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid man won't come cheap, but if a deal can be completed, it would be the most exciting transfer since Arsene Wenger plucked Mesut Ozil from the same club back in 2013.
Leandro Trossard has already departed, but Christos Tzolis has been picked up to fill that void, while Gabriel Martinelli remains at the club – although he could be sold to make way for Vinicius Jr.
In the striker position, depending on how ambitious Arsenal are, there could be room for one more key signing. Although Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals in his debut season, not everyone is convinced by the Swede, and Kai Havertz struggled for fitness in recent times. As such, Arteta may want a new option to really boost their chances of lifting more silverware.
Lineup graphic of Arsenal's dream XI next season with Vinicius Junrior and more new transfersVia Buildlineup.com
If given the transfer funds, it seems as though his ideal target would be Julian Alvarez. The Argentine wants Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid do not want to sell to a direct rival; this could potentially open the door for an Arsenal swoop.
Should the World Cup finalist agree to a move alongside Vini Jr, Arsenal's attack could suddenly become one of the most frightening in world football. Add that to a bolstered midfield and their already impressive defence, and more Premier League glory could be on the cards in 2026/27.