Introduction
Arsenal finally ended more than two decades of waiting in 2025/26, lifting the Premier League title for the first time since 2003/04. The triumph came alongside a dramatic run to the Champions League final, adding one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s history, even with a heartbreaking result in Budapest.
This guide covers Arsenal’s historic title win, their Champions League campaign, and how the club is building for the 2026/27 season.
Quick Facts About Arsenal
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1886 |
| Home Stadium | Emirates Stadium |
| Location | Islington, London, England |
| League | Premier League |
| Manager | Mikel Arteta |
| 2025/26 Achievement | Premier League Champions |
| Nickname | The Gunners |
Arsenal’s Historic 2025/26 Premier League Title
After finishing as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons, Arsenal finally broke through in 2025/26, winning their first league title in 22 years. The Gunners became champions on May 19, 2026, without even needing to play, as title rivals Manchester City could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, making it mathematically impossible for City to catch up.
Arsenal finished the season with 82 points, winning 25 of their 37 matches and conceding just 26 goals, the fewest in the league. Goalkeeper David Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove, while the club’s defensive record throughout the campaign became a defining feature of Mikel Arteta’s title-winning side.
A Dramatic Title Race
The title race wasn’t entirely smooth for Arsenal. The club squandered a nine-point lead over an 11-day stretch in April 2026, briefly opening the door for Manchester City. However, Arsenal responded by winning four consecutive matches, while City dropped points against Everton and Bournemouth, ultimately securing the title for the Gunners.
Record-Breaking Season Highlights
Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign produced several notable records, including:
- Eight consecutive clean sheets across October and November, a feat not achieved by an English top-flight side in 106 years
- 19 goals scored from corner kicks, breaking the previous Premier League record of 16
- Zero penalties conceded and zero red cards across the entire season, a first for any Premier League team
- Their lowest number of Premier League losses since the 2007/08 season
Season Highlights Table
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final League Position | 1st (Champions) |
| Points | 82 |
| Goals Conceded | 26 (league-low) |
| Consecutive Clean Sheets | 8 (October–November) |
| Golden Glove Winner | David Raya |
Champions League Heartbreak
Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign also included a historic run to the UEFA Champions League final, their first appearance in the final since losing to Barcelona in 2006. The Gunners became the first team since the competition’s league-phase format was introduced to win all eight of their league-phase matches.
The Road to Budapest
Arsenal’s knockout stage form was equally dominant. The club defeated Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting CP before producing one of the standout results of the tournament: a 5-1 aggregate win over reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, marking Arsenal’s first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2008/09. They then eliminated Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals to reach the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Final
Arsenal entered the Champions League final in Budapest unbeaten in the competition all season. Kai Havertz gave the Gunners an early lead in the final, raising hopes of a historic domestic and European double. However, Paris Saint-Germain fought back, and Arsenal’s wait for their first Champions League title continued after a tough defeat in the showpiece match.
Champions League Campaign Table
| Stage | Result |
|---|---|
| League Phase | Won all 8 matches |
| Round of 16 | Defeated Bayer Leverkusen |
| Quarter-Finals | Defeated Real Madrid (5-1 aggregate) |
| Semi-Finals | Defeated Atlético Madrid |
| Final | Lost to Paris Saint-Germain |
Key Players Behind Arsenal’s Title Win
Several players stood out during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign, including:
- William Saliba, whose defensive partnership with Gabriel helped anchor the league’s best defense
- Bukayo Saka, who became the youngest player since Romelu Lukaku to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements
- Eberechi Eze, who scored the first North London derby hat-trick in nearly 50 years
- David Raya, who won the Golden Glove for the league’s best defensive goalkeeping record
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard also spoke about the title win as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, reflecting the significance of finally ending the club’s 22-year wait for domestic glory.
Arsenal’s 2026/27 Transfer Business
Following their title-winning season, Arsenal has continued to reshape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with the summer transfer window running through September 1, 2026.
Notable Departures
Arsenal has confirmed several exits from the men’s first-team squad, including:
- Piero Hincapié, moving to Bayer Leverkusen
- Jakub Kiwior, transferring to Porto
- Illan Meslier, joining Leeds United on a free transfer
New Signings
Among the club’s confirmed incomings for 2026/27 is German forward Lisa Baum, signed from RB Leipzig after Arsenal reportedly beat competition from Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich for the 19-year-old’s signature.
Manager Mikel Arteta has also been linked with additional forward reinforcements as the club looks to build on their title-winning campaign and push further in Europe.
Transfer Activity Table
| Player | Status | Destination/Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Piero Hincapié | Departed | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Jakub Kiwior | Departed | Porto |
| Illan Meslier | Departed | Leeds United (free) |
| Lisa Baum | Signed | From RB Leipzig |
Why Arsenal Remains One of Football’s Biggest Draws
Several factors continue to define Arsenal‘s growing stature in world football:
- A historic Premier League title, ending a 22-year wait for domestic glory
- A record-setting Champions League campaign, reaching their first final since 2006
- A core of homegrown and academy talent, including Saka, Nwaneri, and Lewis-Skelly
- Continued ambitious recruitment, aimed at building on their title-winning foundation
FAQs About Arsenal
1. When did Arsenal last win the Premier League before 2025/26? Arsenal’s previous Premier League title came in the 2003/04 “Invincibles” season, meaning the 2025/26 title ended a 22-year wait.
2. Did Arsenal win the Champions League in 2025/26? No, Arsnal reached the Champions League final for the first time since 2006 but lost to Paris Saint-Germain after leading through an early Kai Havertz goal.
3. Who is Arsnal’s manager? Mikel Arteta continues to manage Arsnal, having led the club to their first Premier League title in his sixth full season in charge.
4. How many goals did Arsnal concede in their title-winning season? Arsnal conceded just 26 goals in the 2025/26 Premier League season, the lowest total in the division.
5. Who won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2025/26? Arsnal goalkeeper David Raya won the Golden Glove, reflecting the club’s league-best defensive record.
Conclusion
Arseal’s 2025/26 season will be remembered as one of the most significant in the club’s modern history, delivering a long-awaited Premier League title alongside a heartbreaking near-miss in the Champions League final. With a strong core of players and continued investment ahead of the new season, Arsnal enters 2026/27 aiming to build on their success both domestically and in Europe.
As Mikel Arteta’s side looks to defend their title and finally capture that elusive Champions League trophy, Arsnal remains one of the most closely watched clubs in world football.
