Not only will the Gunners be determined to defend our Premier League crown, countless mini-league managers will be out to claim back-to-back titles and bragging rights.

But what has changed as the curtain raises on the 2026/27 Fantasy game? We’ll be running the rule over certain adjustments that have been made, as well as those all-important player prices to build your squad.

2025/26 RECAP

As we stormed through in 2025/26 to become Premier League champions, a multitude of Arsenal assets became must-haves throughout the season.

Our highest scorer was Gabriel, who even despite a brief injury absence before Christmas, was one of just three players to smash the 200-point barrier with a total of 209. Only the league’s top scorer Erling Haaland and top assist-maker Bruno Fernandes, with 239 and 235 respectively, bagged more for their managers. Haaland’s price for 2026/27 is now a record-breaking £15.5m - assisted further by the departure of fellow ultra-premium pick Mohamed Salah from English football - while Fernandes has risen a whole three million pounds, a joint-high, to £12.0m in midfield.

Big Gabi was the tip of the iceberg for premium Gunners, with Declan Rice, David Raya and Bukayo Saka all exceeding 150 points - a total just missed by the 149 of Jurrien Timber even despite his lengthy lay-off last term.

In terms of centurions, there were enough stars in red and white to field a full XI, and some price inflations this summer - which will be touched on very shortly - have certainly reflected that fact.

The Arsenal fans’ league brought hundreds of thousands of supporters together in one community to battle it out, which will continue into the new season with likely more competitors than ever before. In 2025/26, the Gooners’ champion was Ivan Peula from Croatia, with his side - named ‘Team Peki’ - racking up a gargantuan 2,536 points throughout the year. Ivan also ranked third worldwide, finishing just eight points behind second and 44 behind top spot.

BUILD YOUR SQUAD NOW!

The green light has now flashed, signalling millions of FPL hopefuls into the immediate building of their team. Unlimited transfers can be made until the Gameweek 1 deadline, 90 minutes before we take on Coventry City in the season opener on Friday, August 21 (8pm).

With the game having now been hard-launched, all players prices - which have been teased throughout the week - are now available, with plenty of rises reflecting the huge impact of many stars in 2025/26 - none more so than at Emirates Stadium.

Our highest premium player is once again Bukayo Saka, coming in at £9.5m - and this could rise quickly into the season should demand push as highly as expected for our No. 7.

Gabriel now clocks in with a starting price of £8.0m following his incredible 2025/26 campaign, the third-highest defender sum in FPL history. Timber begins at £6.5m after a tremendous part played in our championship. Due to this week’s injury update regarding William Saliba (£6.0m), some astute moves could be made at the back - Cristhian Mosquera is available for £5.5m, the same price as Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.

Between the sticks, another Golden Glove success for Raya offers managers a starting fee on the Spaniard at £6.0m, while new signing Illan Meslier joins Kepa Arrizabalaga on £5.0m.

In midfield, a vast selection of central players and wingers are available at encouraging prices - chief among them Rice, who comes in at a very reasonable £7.5m. Following his return to fitness and triumphant World Cup tournament, Mikel Merino (£6.0m) could certainly whet the appetite of many Arsenal-supporting managers, while compatriot Martin Zubimendi is on offer at just £5.5m despite his 133-point debut season haul in the Premier League last time out.

Up top is where our next most-expensive assets come in - namely Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, both priced at £7.5m after important interventions in our title-winning journey. An attacking quartet all available as midfield options for £6.5m apiece include Martin Odegaard, Ebere Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

In 2024/25, our leading FPL hauler was Leandro Trossard - and following Leo’s departure from north London, Christos Tzolis returns to FPL for the first time since 2021/22. Our newest recruit’s starting price has now been confirmed at £6.5m, with some managers already having drafted the Greek into their provisional line-ups.

Across the top flight, there are 11 players whose positions have been changed in-game for managers building their squads. Among those comes Myles Lewis-Skelly (£5.5m), whose sublime end to the season in central midfield has been recognised with his FPL position changing from defence.

NEW SEASON OVERVIEW

For those preparing for the new season and needing some assistance on how to shape their squad, or even those firing up for their FPL debuts in 2026/27, here’s an overview of what will take place regarding Fantasy football, and any changes or decisions made by the Premier League following the completion of last season’s edition.

There will remain four different chips, each of which will be available to every player on two occasions - one set to be used by the start of Gameweek 19, and another set to be used in the second half of the season. The Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain and Bench Boost chips will play a huge part in dictating the fortunes of your team from August to May.

With defensive contribution (DefCon) bonuses becoming one of the standout additions to the game this time last year, there will now be a change in the formula to award performance-related bonus points. The tweaks being made to this system can be specified here. Knowing this is vital, as a combination of DefCons and performance bonuses could land a player with up to five added points in a single Gameweek total.

Monitoring the market is an essential prerequisite for any serious FPL competitor, and the league is now about to help you keep your finger on the pulse having introduced a brand-new Price Change Predictor. This will assist with any potential price rises or falls which have often historically severely scuppered long-term squad planning, especially since last summer’s change which has since allowed each manager to bank up to five free transfers at once.

With no Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) arriving mid-season this time around, there will be no generous multi-transfer offering like the five free switches offered to every squad in GW16 last year, so strategising the next few weeks on a rolling basis is essential.

More tips and walkthroughs will be arriving via FPL Focus before the Gunners and Coventry get the season underway at Emirates Stadium - but for now, happy squad building!