According to Rio Ferdinand, the Premier League title race next season will be a two-horse battle between Liverpool and Manchester City, with Arsenal set to fall short once again.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United defender dismissed the Gunners’ title hopes, saying their current transfer activity isn’t enough to bridge the gap.
“It’s only going to be between Liverpool and Man City next season,”
Ferdinand said.
“Arsenal might kick up a fuss for a couple of months – six months maybe – but nothing more.”
Ferdinand’s comments come after a summer in which Liverpool have moved aggressively in the transfer market. Following an emphatic title-winning season — finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal and 13 ahead of City — Arne Slot’s side have added key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. This has offset the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Ferdinand reserved special praise for Liverpool’s coup of Wirtz, a highly coveted talent chased by Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.
“What’s not being talked about enough is Liverpool’s ability to go and get a player that top European clubs were also after,”
he added.
“You can see their whole process and vision. That’s exactly what players want — clarity and ambition.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City have quietly reinforced their squad with Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders. Though Pep Guardiola’s side finished a disappointing third last term, Ferdinand believes they remain Liverpool’s biggest threat.
As for Arsenal, despite being in talks for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard, they’ve yet to sign the marquee forward fans are desperate for.
However, detailed in a previous Softfootball report, Arsenal are closing in on agreeing personal terms with highly-rated Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera. Arsenal, initially slow to act in the transfer window, are now ramping up activity as they aim to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of the new season.
The Gunners are expected to confirm the £55 million signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad next week, with the Spanish club requesting a delay in the announcement until July.
With the season fast approaching, Ferdinand’s bold prediction adds fuel to the growing belief that Liverpool and Manchester City are once again the teams to beat. Whether Mikel Arteta’s side can prove him wrong remains to be seen.