Rio Ferdinand is convinced that only Liverpool and Manchester City have a genuine shot at Premier League glory next year, disregarding Arsenal.
Arne Slot had a dream debut year in charge, leading Liverpool to Premier League triumph over the Gunners, who came second for the third year running. City, the previous champion, managed to claw its way back to third after lagging significantly behind the top two halfway through the season.
Liverpool has already made significant strides to bolster its title-winning squad - signing Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong - while City has largely rejuvenated a team that underperformed last season.
The fact that Ferdinand, a Manchester United legend, rates the Reds so highly speaks volumes about just how good they've played under Slot.
Ferdinand, who recently left TNT Sports, believes it will be a two-horse race once again for the domestic league title.
He's pointed out Arsenal's urgent need for a top-notch striker.
"It's only going to be between Liverpool and Man City next season," Ferdinand stated in his latest YouTube video for Rio Ferdinand Presents.
"Arsenal might kick up a fuss for a couple of months – six months maybe – [but nothing more].
Arne Slot is aiming to retain Liverpool's Premier League title
Arne Slot is aiming to retain Liverpool's Premier League title (Image: Getty Images)
"Arsenal's signings right now look likely to be Norgaard, who is 31 years old, Kepa, who was a reserve keeper at Chelsea, and Martin Zubimendi, but the entire fan base is crying out for a center forward or a left winger."
While Ferdinand isn't particularly taken with Arsenal's transfer dealings thus far, he's been rather impressed by Liverpool's summer activity.
He added: "I think what's not being talked about enough is Liverpool's ability to go and get a player that City were after, Bayern Munich were after and reportedly Real Madrid were also after.
"And Liverpool have come out on top in that.
"I can see it so clearly at the club right now, I can see their whole process and their vision – it's so clear – and as a player, that's what you want when you walk into the club and they're pitching the project to you.
"I can imagine Wirtz coming out of that meeting with Slot and saying, 'Don't take any calls from any of those other clubs, I'm going here.'"