Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has told ESPN Brazil that he expects a wide-open Premier League title race next season, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal potentially in the mix.
Fernandinho built a rapport with Arteta during the Spaniard’s time at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach. The Citizens won back-to-back titles during the 39-year-old’s time in the dugout, and added another last term while the Gunners struggled.
Arsenal finished Arteta’s first full campaign in charge down in eighth-place, missing out on any European football. But Fernandinho believes the Gunners are assembling a promising young squad at the Emirates Stadium that could, at least, challenge for the top-six.
Fernandinho feels any of the established Premier League heavyweights, including Arteta’s Arsenal, can challenge Manchester City for the title. But the Brazilian notes the race will ultimately boil down to the clubs who have prepared the best this summer.
“I believe so,” Fernandinho said. “The tendency of teams is to improve with each passing year, hiring new players, giving new faces [a chance, and] bringing new energy. This is important for competition.
“These clubs will have the possibility to rival our team during the season. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, maybe Tottenham, maybe Arsenal, which is a young team with a coach who has a good future ahead and who maybe can fight between the top-five, six.
“It will be very difficult for everyone. Those who prepare better and make fewer mistakes will have the greatest chances of winning the title.”
Arsenal unlikely to match Fernandinho expectations, despite Arteta praise
It would be a remarkable turnaround for Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title after missing out on Europe. Realistically, Arteta will be focusing his efforts on atoning for the latter part of that statement next season.
A top-six finish will be the minimum expectations for Arteta and Arsenal, and Fernandinho’s praise will be of some comfort. The Brazilian knows what it takes to win in England and knows what Arteta is capable of as a coach.
Unfortunately, Arsenal have not enjoyed the transfer window they would have wanted, so their preparations may not be perfect. Players like Sead Kolasinac, Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka remain despite the club’s efforts to sell. While attempts to improve Arteta’s squad have proven problematic, with Edu now scrapping efforts to sign Aaron Ramsdale.
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