The dream Arsenal lineup Mikel Arteta could have in 2026 (only one player remains)

As the international break draws to a close and the return of club football beckons, Arsenal find themselves in a good place, four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

After several summers of big business and a number of nearly moments in the league, Mikel Arteta now has a team more than capable of winning the big titles, but his dream lineup is not complete just yet.

However, he could see that ambition come true next year and there is just one more player needed until the Spaniard has his perfect side. Here's how his dream Gunners lineup could look in 2026.

Arsenal's dream lineup in 2026

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Since displacing Aaron Ramsdale in the opening months of the 2023/24 season, Raya has evolved into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Consecutive golden glove awards, a spot in the 23/24 PFA team of the year and two save of the month wins have seen the Spaniard nail down his role as Arsenal's number one and that will continue for the foreseeable.

Right back: Jurrien Timber

After an injury stricken debut campaign in north London, Timber has really came into his own in a Gunners shirt, successfully taking the first-choice place from Ben White. Some would argue that in his current form, he is the world's best right back and he will only improve over the coming year, meaning he could very well claim that title soon.

Centre back: William Saliba

One half of the Premier League's most formidable centre back duo at just 24, Saliba remains one of the brightest defensive talents in football. Despite some setbacks in the form of injuries and inconsistency, his place in the Arsenal lineup is no where near under threat and he will be a key part of this side as they look to win silverware.

Centre back: Gabriel Magalhaes

He joined Arteta's side from Lille in September 2020 and has evolved from an occasionally rash and error-prone defender to one of the most solid centre halves throughout the world. The Brazil international is arguably now a more reliable choice than Saliba. Having also demonstrated his leadership abilities, he will remain a crucial cog in the setup for a number of years.

Left back: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Riccardo Calafiori is in the form of his life right now and he is keeping Lewis-Skelly at bay, but that won't be the case forever. The Hale End graduate was one of football's biggest breakout stars last season and he will reclaim his spot as Arsenal's starting left back. He will be just 20 in a years time, but will be comfortable as his side's first-choice on the left side.

Centre midfield: Martin Ødegaard

Due to injuries and inconsistency on the pitch, Ødegaard has struggled to maintain his form over recent seasons, but there is no denying he is the captain of this side and will continue to be a key part. While he will be part of the 'dream' side, he would have to keep certain players at bay.

Centre midfield: Martín Zubimendi

He has quietly been one of Arsenal's best players so far this season and he appears to have been one of the most beneficial signings of the summer. In most of his performances, he has got the job done, impressing many, and he will continue doing so at the base of the Gunners midfield for a long time.

Centre midfield: Declan Rice

I mean it's a no-brainer isn't it. Every single week he puts in at least a six or seven out of 10 performance and he rarely disappoints on the pitch. He's evolved into a quality number eight for Arsenal and as one of the world's best midfielders, he will remain a crucial component for Arteta for years to come.

Right wing: Bukayo Saka

He has had to deal with a number of injuries over the years, but he has constantly returned from those setbacks looking his best. His steady progression is continuing and he is only going to carry on getting better. Of course I am slightly bias, but those that call him overrated really need to take a trip to Specsavers.

Centre forward: Viktor Gyökeres

His summer arrival brought plenty of hype as he was the prolific striker Arsenal had been in dire need of over the past few years. Despite a slow start to life in north London, he began to found his feet before suffering a minor injury setback ahead of the international break. However, once he returns to the side and finds some consistency in front of goal, he should be one of the league's deadliest strikers.

Left wing: Rodrygo

Now this is the one. Both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been reliable options on the left flank for the Gunners, but there has still been links with the Real Madrid man and other candidates. Rodrygo will be the player Arsenal go for next summer and he will be the one to complete Arteta's dream lineup and that will unfortunately spell the end for Martinelli or Trossard (or both).

Honourable mentions

Arsenal have built up a squad of incredible depth over the past few years and while that is great to possess in the toughest parts of a season, it does mean some highly talented players miss out on a spot in the starting XI. However, there will be some knocking on the door of the 'dream' lineup.

Eberechi Eze will be a versatile option for Arteta to utilise on the left wing or in a creative midfield position and he will constantly be ready to take the spot of any player underperforming. If both stay, Martinelli and Trossard would also be options on the flank with Noni Madueke also a serious candidate on the other side. Kai Havertz could also step in in a number of positions.

Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri are also brilliant choices to step into midfield if needed and the defence is the most stacked with depth with Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera all options.

Regardless of these various squad choices, this is the dream Arsenal lineup Arteta could have in 2026, but only time will tell if he can add the final missing piece.