Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have predicted that Arsenal will fall short in the title race once more, as they expect further disappointment for Mikel Arteta's side.
The Gunners have finished in second place for three successive seasons, though they've strengthened crucial positions during the transfer window in their bid to end their Premier League title drought.
Vktor Gyokeres represents the club's most crucial summer signing following the striker's switch from Sporting CP. Last term, the Gunners' lack of a natural striker was frequently cited as a factor in the club trailing the league leaders.
Martin Zubimendi brings a new dimension to midfield, while the additions of Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke offer Arteta a more balanced squad. However, Lineker and Micah Richards suspect Arsenal will fail in their title pursuit for two reasons.
Discussing Arsenal's prospects on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards reflected on his previous predictions: "It's a hard one because I remember saying last season that I thought Manchester City had won it if everyone stayed fit. If [City] got any injuries, those little injuries could be the difference.
"Bringing in Gyokeres now for Arsenal is massive. And not just because he's a big-name forward. Because of his movement that we talk about with strikers all the time. Havertz is really good, we're all big fans of Havertz, but in a number 10 position where he can create, not leading the line.
"I know [Havertz has] done really good movement when he plays up there but he hasn't got a striker's instinct. So that's why I think Gyokeres is gonna add something really special.
"I still don't know if it's enough to get them over the line. I still don't know. I think one or two injuries and they're back to the same as last season. So I'm going to say challenging but not champions."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hope to prove the pundits' season predictions wrong by winning the Premier League title (Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Despite bolstering their squad depth, Richards remains unconvinced that Arsenal's title charge could withstand injuries to key players throughout the season. Premier League icon Alan Shearer also reckons the Gunners will conclude the upcoming campaign in a familiar spot.
"I'd agree. I think they'll challenge, I just think they may fall short again," Shearer said. "I like all of their signings. I think that's exactly what they needed. And I still don't think they may be finished yet in terms of bringing players in and certainly players going out.
"I've definitely got them in Champions League but I just don't see them having enough to win the title. Just fall short."
Meanwhile, Lineker echoed his colleagues' sentiment that Arsenal will come up short in the title race, highlighting that the Gunners are banking on Gyokeres immediately settling into Premier League life, although the striker recently caught the eye in a pre-season victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Viktor Gyokeres playing for Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres will hope to get off the mark in Arsenal's opening game against Manchester United on Sunday (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Gunners face a formidable task to usurp defending champions Liverpool, who have brought in several marquee signings throughout the summer. Lineker explained: "I think I concur with both of you on that front. I probably wouldn't have said that if it wasn't that Liverpool have strengthened so well.
"A lot too will depend on how Gyokeres does. I mean he scored a terrific goal in pre-season but we all know pre-season is not that important. Although, it is for a striker in terms of that feeling of hitting the back of the net.
"So I think a lot will depend on him but we know he'll get good service. I think they could go close again but I'm going to agree with both of you."
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