Arsenal has released their 23-man “List A” squad for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League season. The squad is filled with experienced stars, important summer signings, and a pleasant surprise from youth.
A Glance at Arsenal Champions League Draw this Season:
Arsenal’s revamped Champions League journey goes like a thriller. Early drama starts in Bilbao and fans will be hopeful at homestands against Olympiacos, Atletico and Bayern. Away, they have hard tests in Prague, Club Brugge and Milan. Kazakh club Kairat Almaty brings a curious clash on home turf. A mix of severe tests and friendlier ties sets the stage for a campaign that feels fair and exciting—one full of promise, variety, and real Arsenal spirit.
Goalkeepers:
David Raya
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Tommy Setford
David Raya offers stability between the sticks. Kepa, a new summer signing, brings top-class options and cover. Setford, a younger name, fills out the unit with promise.
Defenders:
William Saliba
Cristhian Mosquera
Ben White
Gabriel Magalhaes
Jurrien Timber
Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal’s defence appears to be sound. Saliba, White, and Gabriel are seasoned and reliable. Mosquera and Hincapie, the new signings, add pace and potential. Timber is rehabilitating from his injury. Calafiori, who starred last term with a Champions League goal, fill out the squad.
Midfielders:
Martin Odegaard
Eberechi Eze
Christian Norgaard
Mikel Merino
Leandro Trossard
Noni Madueke
Martín Zubimendi
Declan Rice
Max Dowman
This midfield is a mixture of creativity, grit, and ambition. Odegaard provides play-making, with Eze and Madueke injecting flair and dynamism. Rice, Merino, and new boy Zubimendi provide control and defensive equilibrium. Attacking push is provided by Trossard, and Norgaard guidance. Next up is 15-year-old Max Dowman, selected for “List A” because he is not yet old enough for “List B.” If he plays prior to his 16th birthday on December 31, he would be the youngest Champions League player ever. It would be a dramatic and motivational selection.
Forwards:
Bukayo Saka
Gabriel Martinelli
Viktor Gyokeres
In upfront, Saka and Martinelli provide pace, quality, and goals. The marquee signing is Viktor Gyokeres, a big-name forward signed for an up-front £55 million, potentially up to £63.5 million. He is expected to provide firepower following a goal-filled stint at Sporting — a statement of intent from Arsenal for this campaign.
What’s Missing?
Under UEFA rules, Article 45 of the regulations states that List A teams to have a minimum of eight locally trained players, with a maximum of four having association trained. Arsenal’s squad can list three goalkeepers, seven defenders, ten midfielders, and three forwards.
Most notably, Gabriel Jesus is missing. The £45 million January signing from Manchester City is recovering from ACL surgery and wasn’t included in the party.
Looking Ahead:
The Arsenal squad is well-balanced. Experience and emerging talents are in the defence. The midfield has flair and solidity. Attacking pace and scoring threats are very strong.
Max Dowman’s inclusion is particularly interesting. If he plays in the Champions League before his 16th birthday, Arsenal supporters will see history.
This “List A” team navigates the group stage of the competition. Arsenal may make substitutions prior to the Round of 16 in February 2026 — they can add as many as three players then. That flexibility might come in handy if Jesus recovers or other needs arise.
Author’s Insight:
Arsenal’s Champions League team looks powerful. It combines seasoned performers with new recruits and young potential. From veterans such as Odegaard and Saliba to promising new faces such as Gyokeres and Dowman, the Gunners are making a bold statement. They’re set to go further in Europe this season.
With such balance — flair, strength, experience, and bold youth — Arsenal fans will be excited to see how this squad performs on the continent.
