Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have explained why they believe that Arsenal will miss out on the Premier League title again this season.
The Gunners have finished in second place in each of the last three seasons and are determined to end their lengthy wait for the title.
Arsenal have been heavily active in the transfer market this summer, with striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Martin Zubimendi amongst the key signings.
Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga have also joined the club.
There could yet be further arrivals at Emirates Stadium before the closure of the transfer window, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze amongst the players to have been linked with Arsenal.
However, Lineker and Shearer have predicted that Mikel Arteta’s team will fall just short again in their quest for glory.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have explained why they feel Arsenal will miss out on the title
Mikel Arteta’s team have finished in second place in each of the last three league seasons
Shearer believes Arsenal will challenge for the title but will end up falling just short
Newcastle legend Shearer believes that Arsenal won’t have enough to win the title.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: ‘I think they’ll challenge, I just think they may fall short again.
‘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.’
Lineker believes that Gyokeres will have an important part to play for Arsenal but still feels that the Gunners will miss out on success.
Lineker said: ‘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.’
Micah Richards believes Arsenal could struggle again if they suffer injuries at key times
Micah Richards, meanwhile, feels that despite improving their squad depth Arsenal could struggle again if they suffer injuries to key players.
Richards said: ‘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 going to 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 get their Premier League campaign underway on Sunday when they face Manchester United away.