"I like all of Arsenal's signings. But even if those are what they need, they could still fall short in the Premier League," said Shearer, the Premier League's all-time leading scorer with 260 goals, on The Rest Is Football podcast on 11/8. "They'll also compete in the Champions League, but they aren't strong enough to win it."

Gyokeres celebrates a goal during Arsenal's 3-0 friendly win over Bilbao on 9/8. Photo: *PA*

Arsenal has spent approximately 275 million USD on six new players (including additional fees). Among them, Viktor Gyokeres, who competed with Kylian Mbappe for the European Golden Boot last season, has become a beacon of hope for the Emirates club, aiming to bring home their first Premier League title since 2004. However, their rivals have also been busy in the transfer market, perhaps even more so. The reigning champions Liverpool spent 356 million USD, including two contracts exceeding 100 million USD each for Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Chelsea spent 353 million USD, Man Utd 288 million USD, and Man City 208 million USD. This leaves Arsenal with less of a transfer market advantage.

"I agree with you," said Lineker, the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot winner, to Shearer. "I wouldn't say that if Liverpool hadn't strengthened as well as they have. A lot will depend on Gyokeres. He scored a great goal in pre-season, but that doesn't really matter."

Richards, a 2012 Premier League champion with Man City, also praised Arsenal's acquisition of Gyokeres. However, he warned that the Gunners' squad still lacks the depth to cope with unexpected injuries. Last season, injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz frequently left Arsenal short of attacking options.

"I don't know if that's enough to get them over the hump. They'll be back to where they were last season after just one or two injuries. So, I'd say they'll compete, but they won't win the title," Richards added.

Arsenal has won the English league title 13 times, trailing only Man Utd and Liverpool with 20 titles each. However, since former manager Arsene Wenger led them to an undefeated season in 2003-2004, the Gunners have yet to reclaim the top spot. In the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta's side has finished second behind Man City and Liverpool.

In the Champions League, Arsenal's best result was reaching the final in the 2005-2006 season. Last season, they lost 3-1 on aggregate to PSG in the semi-finals.

On 17/8, Arsenal will kick off their 2025-2026 Premier League campaign with an away game against Man Utd at Old Trafford. Following that, Arteta's team will face Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Man City, and Newcastle. Facing four of last season's top seven teams (Liverpool, Man City, Newcastle, and Nottingham) early in the season presents a significant challenge to their title aspirations.

Thanh Quy (via The Rest Is Football)