Football Manager 26 finally arrived in November last year, and while some Gunners opt to take charge of minnows and rise up to the Premier League, others can’t resist managing the club they support. A chance to record the same type of successes as previous Arsenal managers, the latest instalment from this much-loved football management series has been well received on the whole.
For Arsenal managers, while the squad mirrors the options Mikel Arteta has to work with in the real world, the competitive nature of top-level football means bosses must also regularly assess potential big signings and scour the market for future stars. Alongside playing other sports-themed products from other categories, such as online roulette games like Touchdown Roulette and basketball masterpieces like NBA 2K26, taking on the role of Arsenal’s manager is enticing to many Gunners fans, especially as they can snap up new signings who can lead the team to glory.
With some managers feeling Arsenal need to add some additional quality in key areas, below we highlight six players to potentially sign for the Gunners on Football Manager 26.
Nico Paz
Freshening up Arsenal’s attack isn’t a bad shout as the team continually looks to evolve and challenge the likes of title holders Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. In the attacking midfield area of the pitch, Nico Paz is one of the hottest prospects in the game. Como’s 21-year-old doesn’t cost an arm and a leg either, and he has the ability to become one of the best players on the game if you nurture him properly.
Lautaro Martinez
If you’re struggling to put your full faith in Arsenal’s current striker options in the game, then offloading one or two of them could fund a big move for Inter Milan goal-getter Lautaro Mart
inez. The Argentine would surely jump at the chance to join Arsenal, although he’ll probably cost over £100 million. Strikers have never come cheap, but signing Martinez could take your Gunners squad up another level.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Signing some attacking reinforcements is a priority for many Gunners who play FM26. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a world-class operator worth targeting, although you might have to be patient in your pursuit of the Georgian’s signature as he’s only just joined the club in the game, but he’s a long-term target for managers given his direct running and game-changing abilities.
Kenan Yildiz
Capable of being deployed both centrally and out wide, Kenan Yildiz is a versatile attacker many managers go for after offloading the likes of Gabriel Martinelli to fund any improvements. The Juventus youngster won’t necessarily come cheap, but the Turkish 20-year-old has the potential to become one of football’s most dangerous attacking forces.
Reece James
While this might seem like a tricky signing to get over the line, Chelsea are a selling club these days, making Reece James a viable option depending on how the opening season of your game pans out. The England international is still only 25 in the game, and while injury issues can occasionally get in the way, he’s a fantastic option to have if you’re looking to bolster Arsenal’s defence.
Victor Osimhen
Another striker alongside the aforementioned Lautaro Martinez who is most definitely attainable, Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to club in the real world on numerous occasions. In the game, acquiring the Nigerian forward’s signature might cost over £100 million, but he’ll undoubtedly be worth every penny given his finishing prowess. If you’re tired of seeing Erling Haaland top the scoring charts, Victor Osimhen might rival the big Norwegian’s output.