Paul Merson has named Liverpool as Arsenal's nearest Premier League title challengers for the upcoming season, dismissing Manchester City's credentials. The Gunners won their first league title in 22 years last season, finishing seven points clear of Pep Guardiola's side.
City's changes raise doubts
Manchester City have already strengthened with the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. However, new manager Enzo Maresca faces the potential loss of Rodri, with Real Madrid in talks to sign the Spain international. Merson believes these factors weaken City's title bid.
"I don't think Man City will win the Premier League this year anyway. They didn't win it last year with the best manager in the world. They were only ever in the title race because Arsenal had a bad three weeks," Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column.
Liverpool's summer business
Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, have already signed Spanish left winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna and French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. They are also in negotiations to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Merson questioned City's decision to spend £116 million on Anderson, suggesting he would be an understudy to Rodri. "Unless they bought Anderson and he gets a season of learning under the best in the world in Rodri. But £116m is a lot to spend on someone to be an understudy. Rodri will want to play, and he won't want to sit there and be someone's understudy," he added.
Title odds reflect uncertainty
Betfair's title odds for the 2026/27 season list Arsenal at 6/4, Manchester City at 11/4, and Liverpool at 11/2. Merson's comments suggest Liverpool are better placed to challenge Arsenal than the reigning champions from previous years.
