Premier League Most Valuable Starting XI: Arsenal Lead The Way Ahead of Man City

As the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off, Transfermarkt have revealed the most valuable starting eleven in the division — and Arsenal have overtaken Manchester City to top the rankings.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s side boasting the league’s highest total squad value at €1.35 billion, it’s Mikel Arteta’s strongest XI that holds the edge, with a combined market value of €840 million — €28m more than City’s best lineup.

The numbers highlight a fascinating contrast: squad depth may win gruelling campaigns, but elite first-choice talent can often decide the title in head-to-head clashes.

It’s one reason why debates over the favourites for the title — whether Liverpool, City or Arsenal — have been so fierce, as discussed by TV pundits in their Premier League 2025/26 predictions.

Who Has the Most Valuable Starting XI in the Premier League?

Premier League Most Valuable Starting XI

• Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal) – €40m

• Defenders: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) – €55m, William Saliba (Arsenal) – €80m, Gabriel (Arsenal) – €75m, Josko Gvardiol (Man City) – €75m

• Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal) – €120m, Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – €120m, Rodri (Man City) – €110m

• Forwards: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – €150m, Erling Haaland (Man City) – €180m, Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) – €140m

Six of the eleven spots are filled by Arsenal players, which is a testament to Arsenal’s recruitment strategy in recent years, despite their shortcomings in terms of winning trophies.

Three of these players have been signed since 2023, while the others have been secured on long-term deals to ward off interest from Europe’s elite.

Notably, Saka is rated as the second-most valuable player in the league, behind Erling Haaland.

As for Manchester City, although their greater overall squad value reflects their depth across every position, their starting XI valuation lags slightly behind Arsenal’s.

City have a more even spread of quality rather than concentration in marquee assets.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s sole representative is Florian Wirtz, whose €140m valuation puts him third among attacking players in the league. Signed this summer, the German playmaker is expected to be central to Arne Slot’s tactical plans.

Chelsea also claim a single spot in the XI, with Cole Palmer valued at €120m after another superb campaign that included the Club World Cup victory.

Of course, having the most valuable starting XI doesn’t guarantee silverware, but it is a strong indicator of elite-level talent. Whether the 2025/26 season proves that this quality or broader depth wins more trophies remains to be seen.