The VAVEL Arsenal team analyse what fans can expect from the Gunners ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Arsenal 2026/27 Season Preview: Can the Gunners build on last campaign's success?
Credit: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
For the first time in 22 years, Arsenal return to Premier League action as the reigning champions.
The Gunners have never successfully defended their league title, giving Mikel Arteta and his side the chance to write more history this season.
Arteta has overseen a six-year rebuild that has taken Arsenal back to the top of the English football pyramid, and following Pep Guardiola’s departure, he is now the Premier League’s longest-serving manager.
The big question is whether they will thrive without the weight of expectation that came with chasing for the title, or whether lifting the crown has only raised the pressure to go again.
VAVEL’s Arsenal team have come together to provide insight into Arsenal’s forthcoming season and predict how the Gunners will fare as the ones to beat:
2025/26 Season Recap
Last season was one to remember for Arsenal. The Gunners ended their 22-year Premier League title drought whilst also reaching the finals of both the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Memorable victories propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to domestic glory. Two 4-1 victories over bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur were a particular highlight as Eberechi Eze netted five goals against them.
David Price/ GettyImages
David Price/ GettyImages
A 3-1 win over Bayern Munich was a talking point from the Gunners’ European campaign. Other wins against Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid will also be looked upon fondly by fans in future years.
However, it wasn’t just a season of highs. The Gunners were defeated by Manchester City in the League Cup final, which many believed could have derailed Arsenal’s season.
The North Londoners also suffered a shock FA Cup exit to Southampton, but the most painful defeat of them all was the penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
Overall, 20255/26 will be remembered as the one where Arsenal reestablished themselves as a domestic powerhouse thanks to a hard-fought Premier League season.
Words by Harry Cooper-Smith
Transfer Activity
Arsenal have reshaped their squad this summer while preparing to defend their title. With the window still open, the Gunners have completed key deals across the first team and academy.
Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent for £34.5 million. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United. Greek winger Christos Tzolis joined from Club Brugge as a replacement for Leandro Trossard.
Justin Setterfield/ GettyImages
Justin Setterfield/ GettyImages
The standout signing was adding Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães in a £75m deal. The 28-year-old brings leadership and box-to-box quality, reinforcing the midfield.
Outgoings include Karl Hein to Werder Bremen, Jakub Kiwior to Porto, Leandro Trossard to Besiktas and Christian Norgaard to Everton.
At academy level, defender Elijah Upson made the switch from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer. Several players were released, including Josh Nichols and Sam Chapman, while nine first-year scholars were announced, among them Emerson Nwaneri, younger brother of Ethan, who has also signed a professional deal until 2027.
The Gunners missed out on Vinicius Junior after he decided to extend his contract at Real Madrid until 2032. Focus has shifted to alternatives such as Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez and Pio Esposito. Further activity is expected before the deadline as Arteta aims to strengthen the champions further.
Words by Olufunmilayo Olusanya
One to Watch: Christos Tzolis
Arsenal’s newly dubbed ‘Leonidas’ has certainly lived up to his new nickname, making an impressive first impression with four goal contributions across his five pre-season appearances.
It comes as little surprise that the Greek international is hungry to make an impact, having registered 17 goals and 23 assists for Club Brugge in the Jupiter Pro League last season.
Alex Pantling/ GettyImages
While the Gunners have explored other targets to strengthen their frontline, Tzolis has surprised both supporters and those inside the club with the impact he has made so far.
At £34 million, Arsenal may have unearthed a gem to replace Leandro Trossard, who played a key role in their title-winning campaign.
There is an argument that the 24-year-old struggled during his previous spell in England with Norwich City five years ago, but Tzolis has since matured and significantly developed his game.
Now, he has a point to prove on his return to England, both personally and within the club, as he competes for a starting spot while Arsenal continue to assess other options for the position.
Words by Aaron Jaffe
Strongest XI
The extended World Cup has given Arsenal, like many other clubs, a real challenge when it comes to reintegrating their internationals ahead of the new season.
William Saliba picked up a back injury during France’s semi-final against Spain. The 25-year-old avoided surgery, but remains on the road to recovery and will take a while to return to full fitness.
Jurrien Timber withdrew from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad and has also yet to return to action, although he has started training on the grass. Declan Rice also nursed an injury during the tournament and did not feature for the Gunners during pre-season.
Despite those absences, Arsenal’s strongest lineup is mostly set in stone. Golden Glove winner David Raya is the obvious choice between the sticks, while Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie provide strong options at left-back.
At centre-back, Gabriel and Saliba’s formidable partnership is the first choice when fully fit, although Cristhian Mosquera is expected to deputise for the Frenchman at the start of the campaign. 16-year-old Marli Salmon has also caught the eye during pre-season, making a case for further opportunities. On the right, Timber would be the preferred option, but a fully fit Ben White is expected to start the season in his absence.
David Price/ GettyImages
In midfield is where Arteta has the most intriguing selection dilemma. Declan Rice and new arrival Bruno Guimaraes are the ideal partnership, while Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly are top-quality alternatives. Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard are set to compete for the advanced midfield role, but Ethan Nwaneri will also be pushing for regular minutes.
On the left, Christos Tzolis has been one of the standout performers of pre-season. His emergence will provide further competition for Gabriel Martinelli, whose future still remains uncertain despite his representatives informing Arsenal that he is not interested in a move to Galatasaray.
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s star man on the right despite his injury struggles last season. Noni Madueke offers reliable competition, but Max Dowman has stolen the headlines and could force his way into more first-team minutes this season.
Up front, the competition between Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz will be one to watch. The Sweden international led the line for much of last season, but Havertz is a proven goalscoring option. Gabriel Jesus is also fighting to revive his Arsenal career, but a departure could ultimately be the most viable outcome.
Words by Aaron Jaffe
Tactics
Mikel Arteta will now feel vindicated that his 4-3-3 system has finally delivered a Premier League title.
The setup remains largely unchanged, although the third midfielder – often Odegaard or Eze — now has more freedom to push forward and create chances.
Arsenal shifted their focus last season from controlling possession to prioritising making the most of transitions.
New arrival Bruno Guimaraes should be ideal for that approach, allowing Rice to move forward and contribute in the attacking phases, while Guimaraes can thread passes through or over the top for the Gunners’ pacey wingers.
Both wingers know of their roles to track back and help defensively, which we have seen Tzolis do, and know Martinelli does very effectively.
Both wide players are expected to contribute defensively, which we have seen Tzolis and Martinelli do in pre-season.
There is a sense of familiarity now in how Arsenal operate in and out of possession, with both full-backs capable of inverting into midfield on the ball, adding an extra midfielder into play.
Undoubtedly, set-pieces have become a monumental part of Arteta’s setup as teams continue to deploy low blocks to nullify Arsenal’s attacking threat in open play.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has become a renowned figure in North London, with the Gunners scoring 25 goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) in the Premier League.
Arsenal also have versatility in their backline to deal with key absences; almost every defender is capable of playing as either a full-back or centre-back, following a few years of specialised recruitment to fit their plans.
Words by Aaron Jaffe
Expectations
Naturally, coming off the back of such a successful season will raise expectations. Arsenal will be expected to retain their Premier League title and to go one step further in Europe and win a first Champions League title.
The Gunners will feel boosted by the arrivals of Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes, which should add vital squad depth to Arteta’s ranks.
However, Arteta must be aware that other teams will be figuring his side out. It is therefore important that Arsenal adapt to the challenges presented by the other 19 teams in the division.
If the Gunners can maintain their strong defensive record, which saw them concede just 27 goals in 38 games, then a first successive Premier League title could be on the cards.
Marc Atkins/ GettyImages
Marc Atkins/ GettyImages
In Europe, Arsenal are a force to be reckoned with. A semi-final and final appearance in successive seasons shows that all they need to do is get over the line.
However, unlike the league season, one loss in Europe can end hopes of winning the Champions League. Therefore, Arteta’s side must maintain their almost-perfect form in the competition.
Overall, many Arsenal fans would expect to win at least one trophy this season. A ‘weaker’ Premier League catalysed by the change at rival clubs presents an intriguing opportunity, while the Gunners’ recent exploits in Europe have showcased that they can go toe-to-toe with the very best.
Expect another fruitful season for the North Londoners.
Words by Harry Cooper-Smith