The Arsenal PFA Team of the Year contingent includes five players after David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice were recognised following the club’s Premier League title triumph.
The champions supplied more players than any other club in the 2025/26 selection, with Manchester City providing four representatives.
The PFA’s awards are voted for by professional players, making the selections recognition from opponents across the division.
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Arsenal PFA Team of the Year rewards defensive strength
Raya takes the goalkeeping position after winning the Premier League Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets.
Timber is selected at right-back, while Saliba and Gabriel form the central defensive partnership. Rice completes Arsenal’s representation in midfield.
Their inclusion reflects the defensive platform behind Arsenal’s first league championship in 22 years. Arteta’s side conceded only 27 Premier League goals and kept 19 clean sheets.
The five selections also improve on the previous campaign. The official 2024/25 PFA Team of the Year included three Arsenal players: Saliba, Gabriel and Rice.
Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly completes the defence, with Rayan Cherki and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes joining Rice in midfield.
Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo and Brentford striker Igor Thiago occupy the three attacking positions.
Full PFA Premier League Team of the Year: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Rayan Cherki, Bruno Fernandes; Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago.
Timber and Saliba injuries create immediate Arsenal problem
The recognition also highlights the defensive challenge facing Arteta at the start of Arsenal’s title defence.
Timber remains unavailable with a persistent groin problem, while Saliba faces a longer absence because of a back injury.
Arsenal’s latest injury assessment indicates Timber is still weeks away, with Saliba expected to miss several months.
Their absences increase the importance of Ezri Konsa’s arrival from Aston Villa. The England defender could make his Arsenal debut against his former club on 31 August.
Arsenal also received recognition in the women’s selection, with Alessia Russo included in the WSL Team of the Year. The full awards report confirms Arsenal supplied five players to the men’s XI.
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