Arsenal on FM26 - The Gunners Are BACK
PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2025-26 after 22 YEARS OF WAITING. Their first title since the 'Invincibles' of 2004. But the Champions League final was lost against PSG on penalties in Budapest. Arteta builds a HISTORIC TEAM. Zubimendi signs. It's now or never for DOMINATION.
Why choose Arsenal?
Because Arsenal is THE MOST ANTICIPATED RETURN IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL. 22 YEARS without a Premier League title — 2003-04 with Arsène Wenger's 'Invincibles' (49 matches unbeaten, all-time record). And FINALLY: CHAMPIONS 2025-26. Three consecutive runner-up positions (2023, 2024, 2025) before FINALLY tipping over. Mikel Arteta builds something SOLID: Martin Zubimendi (€65M from Real Sociedad), Christian Nørgaard (Brentford). But the bitterness: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL LOST against PSG on penalties in Budapest (1-1 then 4-5). SO CLOSE. The Emirates Stadium (60,704 seats, expansion to 70,000+ planned) has become one of Europe's most modern venues. Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Tony Adams — the legends are watching and still waiting for the CL. In FM26, you take the PL club of the year, with the frustration of a lost CL final — and the hunger to WIN EVERYTHING.
The Arteta era: from frustration to domination
Arteta took a club 8th in PL in 2020 and led them to the title in 2026. Three times runner-up before breaking through. His method: impeccable work culture, elaborate positional play, total collective cohesion. Saka, Martinelli, Havertz, Ødegaard, White — a group built for the long term. Record revenues estimated at £770M in 2025-26.
Tactics: Arteta's buildup play
Arsenal plays a 4-3-3 with clean buildup from the back, midfield combinations, and quick transitions via the wingers. Saka on the right is THE ABSOLUTE THREAT. Ødegaard as playmaker, Partey or Zubimendi as a holding midfielder. In FM26, build on these foundations — the title is won, now you need to add the CL.
Objectives: the Champions League
The PL is won. The next step: THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. Arsenal have never won the CL — the most coveted trophy for Arteta, the players and the supporters. With this squad level and these revenues, the objective is CREDIBLE.
Arsenal is THE GREAT RETURN. 22 years of waiting, finally rewarded. But the CL final lost against PSG still burns. In FM26, your mission: finish Arteta's work. North London is RED.