Arsenal’s 2026 Wage League Table: Who’s Cashing In at the Emirates

Arsenal’s march back to the pinnacle under Mikel Arteta hasn’t just been about slick passing and relentless pressing — it’s been backed by a wage bill that screams ambition. The Gunners have tied down their crown jewels, added elite quality, and trimmed the fat where needed. Top line: Bukayo Saka leads the earnings on a hefty £300,000 per week, with William Saliba and a cluster of marquee names not far behind.

If you’re running the rule over title odds and squad value like a shrewd punter, you’ll spot a coherent hierarchy here — big money for genuine difference-makers, sensible deals for depth, and a couple of high-stakes punts that could look like bargains by May. Speaking of punts, our readers often size up form and fixtures with the help of the best markets; for guides and more, check out best betting sites.

Goalkeepers

David Raya — £100,000 p/w (new terms Oct 7, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2028). Golden Glove winner turned permanent No 1 and paid like a modern elite keeper — fair dos.

Kepa Arrizabalaga — £60,000 p/w (signed Jul 1, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2028). A pragmatic, lower-cost deputy after Aaron Ramsdale’s £100k p/w wage departed to Southampton in 2024.

Illan Meslier — £40,000 p/w (signed Jul 9, 2026; expires Jun 30, 2028; per SalaryLeaks). A free-transfer flier with upside if he rediscovers his early Leeds form.

Defenders

William Saliba — £250,000 p/w (signed Sep 30, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). The bedrock of Arteta’s back line and paid accordingly — one of the Premier League’s premier stoppers.

Ben White — £150,000 p/w (signed Mar 14, 2024; expires Jun 30, 2028). Injuries checked his rhythm last term, but his versatility across the back four keeps him vital.

Gabriel — £150,000 p/w (signed Jun 6, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2029). Saliba’s perfect foil — aggressive, aerially strong, and a bargain relative to his importance.

Riccardo Calafiori — £120,000 p/w (signed Jul 29, 2024; expires Jun 30, 2029). A cultured defender with the athletic range Arteta craves.

Piero Hincapié — £100,000 p/w (signed Jul 1, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2029; per SalaryLeaks). Loan made permanent after a tidy audition — two-footed, quick, and still improving.

Jurrien Timber — £90,000 p/w (signed Jul 14, 2023; expires Jun 30, 2028). Mr. Plug-and-Play across the backline; a raise wouldn’t shock after last season’s utility cameos.

Cristhian Mosquera — £55,000 p/w (signed Jul 24, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). High-ceiling addition from Valencia who looks tailor-made for Arteta’s structure.

Myles Lewis-Skelly — £45,000 p/w (signed Jun 26, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). One of the best-paid teens around, and not without reason — composure beyond his years.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimarães — £250,000 p/w (reported; five-year deal TBC; per SalaryLeaks). On the brink of joining in an £80m move — if completed, it’s another statement of intent and a perfect tactical fit for the press-and-pass machine.

Martin Ødegaard — £240,000 p/w (signed Mar 20, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2028). The metronome and leader — a top-bracket wage for a top-bracket influence.

Declan Rice — £240,000 p/w (signed Jul 15, 2023; expires Jun 30, 2028). The platform for everything — defensive shield, tempo setter, and big-game banker.

Eberechi Eze — £180,000 p/w (signed Aug 23, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2029). The creative wildcard Arsenal used to lack — carries and chaos in equal measure.

Mikel Merino — £130,000 p/w (signed Aug 27, 2024; expires Jun 30, 2028). Tactical Swiss Army knife; even did a shift up top when the squad ran thin.

Martin Zubimendi — £75,000 p/w (signed Jun 6, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). Smart-value anchor who frees Rice and Ødegaard to push on.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka — £300,000 p/w (signed Jan 9, 2026; expires Jun 30, 2030). The face of the project and the decisive threat — worth every penny to Arsenal’s title window.

Kai Havertz — £280,000 p/w (signed Jul 1, 2023; expires Jun 30, 2028). Eyebrows were raised at first; they’re not now. Flourished in Arteta’s shape and even bulked up to suit the role.

Gabriel Jesus — £265,000 p/w (signed Jul 4, 2022; expires Jun 30, 2027). Classy link man whose end product has wavered — big earner with a future to resolve before 2027.

Viktor Gyökeres — £200,000 p/w (signed Jul 26, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). The headline striker buy — power, pressing, and penalty-box presence.

Gabriel Martinelli — £180,000 p/w (signed Feb 3, 2023; expires Jun 30, 2027). Streaky but devastating when he’s hot; deal reflects match-winning upside.

Noni Madueke — £150,000 p/w (signed Jul 18, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). A surprise cross-London switch that adds 1v1 punch to the right side.

Reiss Nelson — £100,000 p/w (signed Jul 6, 2023; expires Jun 30, 2027). Trusted squad option who knows the system cold.

Christos Tzolis — £90,000 p/w (signed Jul 23, 2026; expires Jun 30, 2031). Direct, goal-hungry wide man fresh from Belgium — one for the rotation now, more later.

Ethan Nwaneri — £80,000 p/w (signed Aug 8, 2025; expires Jun 30, 2030). Teenage prodigy with a senior contract to match the hype.

Fábio Vieira — £45,000 p/w (signed Jul 1, 2022; expires Jun 30, 2027). A tidy technician still hunting for a consistent niche in this stacked attack.

Max Dowman — £350 p/w academy scholarship until Dec 31, 2026; pre-agreed to £35,000 p/w from his 17th birthday (per SalaryLeaks). One for the long-term scrapbook — the club clearly rates him.

Pundit’s verdict

Arsenal’s wage sheet screams grown-up recruitment. The spine — Raya, Saliba-Gabriel, Rice-Ødegaard (plus Guimarães if/when confirmed), and Saka/Gyökeres — is paid like a champion’s spine. There’s still a premium tied up in Jesus that needs a decision before 2027, but otherwise the balance looks spot on: big cheques for genuine match-winners, value deals for depth, and youth locked down early.

Sources: Wages and dates courtesy of Capology unless stated; select figures via SalaryLeaks. Correct as of 06/08/26.