Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand says it will be a two-horse race for the title between Manchester City and Liverpool next season as things stand.
Arsenal have been runners-up for the last three years but Ferdinand has played down the chances of the Gunners getting involved unless they strengthen their forward line:
“It’s only going to be between Liverpool and Man City next season. Arsenal might kick up a fuss for a couple of months – six months maybe – [but nothing more].”
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“Arsenal’s signings right now look likely to be [Christian] 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 centre forward or a left winger.”
Ferdinand is confident that Man City will be back to their best
After finishing a distant 3rd in the Premier League, with 71 points from 38 games, Pep Guardiola’s side needed to rebuild their squad, and many believe they have done that with the signings of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayn Ait-Nouri.
Speaking after the 5-2 win over Juventus in the final group game of the Club World Cup, Guardiola said that his team had not played that well for a long time.
Ferdinand is expecting that they can carry on their form from the tournament into next season.
The bookmakers still think it will be a three-way battle
While Ferdinand seems to be questioning Arsenal’s credentials, the bookies still make Mikel Arteta’s side joint second favourites for the title, along with City.
Most betting firms have given odds of between 9/4 and 5/2 for Guardiola’s team, while their London rivals have been priced mostly at 5/2.
Current holders Liverpool are 15/8 or 19/10 to retain their crown at the moment.
In other news, Man City have had more talks with a Brazilian club about signing a £25.6m rated fullback