Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has formally requested that the Premier League expand the size of matchday squads allowed for top-flight fixtures. Currently, Premier League clubs are permitted to name 20 players in their matchday squads, a figure that includes a mandatory minimum of three homegrown players. Arteta advocates for an increase to 23 or 25 players, citing the physical toll on athletes and the need to prioritize player welfare.

Arteta’s proposal draws comparisons to other major European leagues. In Spain’s La Liga, clubs are permitted to name 23 players, while Italy’s Serie A allows for squads of up to 25. The Arsenal manager suggests that these larger allowances are better suited to the modern football calendar, which has seen an increase in the number of games played by top clubs. Arsenal, for instance, has competed deep into the Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup in recent seasons alongside their Premier League campaign.

While the request is framed by Arsenal as a necessary step for player health, the proposal has not yet been adopted by the Premier League. The league has historically maintained the 20-player limit to balance competitive integrity and squad management across all member clubs. There is currently no consensus among other Premier League managers or the league's governing body regarding whether to adopt these changes, as larger squads could potentially favor clubs with deeper financial resources and larger rosters.