Arteta says Arsenal must prove they are stronger as 25-man Premier League squad is confirmed
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are better equipped despite fewer attackers after confirming the 25-man Premier League squad, with fitness updates ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea.
Published 5 Sept 2026Updated 16 Oct 20262 min read
Arsenal lock in 25-man list as Arteta talks depth before Chelsea
Start with the paperwork Arsenal have just filed. The club confirmed their 25-man Premier League squad after the transfer window closed, alongside a large group of eligible Under-21 players. That list is the legal frame for every league match from here, including Arsenal vs Chelsea on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta told reporters the side still has to “prove” it is stronger than last season even with fewer senior attackers. Asked whether the squad was stronger than in May, he was direct: “Yes I do. This is what I feel. Now we have to prove it.” He added that Arsenal are “better equipped,” with more players available than at the start of last season and increased quality and leadership. The Athletic circulated those remarks on Friday.
Fitness notes landed with the same briefing. Arteta said Bruno Guimarães had a knock against Villa and was being assessed, with Saturday training the next checkpoint. Cristhian Mosquera’s withdrawal was described as precautionary. Jurrien Timber was back in training with a decision due after Saturday’s session. William Saliba featured in Champions League registration talk even as Arteta updated his domestic availability.
Those details sit beside a full Saturday of Premier League fixtures. City, Forest, Brighton, Fulham and the promoted clubs are all in action before the London derby. For where to watch, check official broadcaster guides.
The 25-man confirmation is the administrative close of the window: who is registered, who can play, and which fitness questions Arteta will settle after Saturday training. Arsenal vs Chelsea will be the first major test of that registered group.
Arteta also said he had no regrets about how the window finished. The takeaway is narrower. The champions have named their league squad, several first-team names are being monitored through Saturday, and the derby remains the weekend’s headline appointment once today’s matches are done.