As the Premier League season gets ready to kick off, some of football’s most respected voices have been weighing in on Arsenal’s chances — and the verdict isn’t all sunshine.
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards agree the Gunners will likely put up a strong fight, but they still expect them to fall just short of the title… again.
After three straight seasons of finishing second, Arsenal fans are desperate to see their team finally lift the Premier League trophy.
This summer, the club has been busy in the transfer market, but will it be enough to break the streak?
A Busy Summer of Big Signings
Mikel Arteta has been given plenty of new weapons to work with.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Martin Zubimendi headline Arsenal’s summer arrivals, while Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have also joined the squad.
There’s even talk of more signings before the window shuts, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze among the names linked.
On paper, it’s a squad that looks stronger and deeper than last season — but the question is whether that’s enough to topple Manchester City or a resurgent Liverpool.
Shearer’s Take – “Close, But Not Quite”
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer praised Arsenal’s transfer business but predicted they’ll once again just miss out.
“I think they’ll challenge, I just think they may fall short again,” Shearer said.
“They’ve brought in exactly the kind of players they needed and I don’t think they’re finished yet. But I just can’t see them having enough to win the title.
Definitely Champions League, but not champions.”
Lineker’s View – Gyokeres Could Be Key
Gary Lineker agrees with Shearer’s assessment but sees Viktor Gyokeres as a potential game-changer.
“A lot will depend on how Gyokeres does,” Lineker explained.
“He scored a great goal in pre-season, but we all know pre-season only matters so much. For a striker though, it’s good for confidence.
I think Arsenal could go close again, but Liverpool have strengthened so well that I still see them missing out.”
Richards’ Caution – Depth Is Good, But Injuries Could Hurt
Micah Richards sees the improvements but warns that injuries could derail Arsenal’s campaign once more.
“Gyokeres is massive for Arsenal, not just because he’s a big-name forward but because of his movement,” Richards said.
“Havertz is excellent in a creative role, but he doesn’t have that natural striker’s instinct. That’s why Gyokeres could be special.
“But if Arsenal lose one or two key players to injury, it could be the same story as last season.
They’ll challenge, but I’m not sure they’ll win it.”
The First Big Test – Manchester United Away
Arsenal won’t have to wait long to prove themselves. Their first Premier League game is this Sunday — and it’s a tough one, away to Manchester United. A win could set the tone for a genuine title push.
A slip-up might have the critics saying “we told you so” before the season’s even underway.