Former England striker and current Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, has tipped Arsenal to emerge as Champions in the new Premier League season.
Lineker, whose football acumen is highly respected, offered insight into Arsenal’s potential and highlighted the exceptional players who are poised to make significant contributions to the club’s campaign.
- Gary Lineker predicts Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title this season, lauding their summer transfer activities.
- Lineker speaks highly of Arsenal’s William Saliba, expecting him to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
- He praises Arsenal’s latest signings, including Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who he believes will provide depth and contribute immensely to the team’s success.
Lineker’s prediction for Arsenal
Gary Lineker has given his exclusive take on the forthcoming Premier League season, revealing his high expectations for Arsenal.
His insights come as part of the launch of his new podcast ‘The Rest Is Football,’ featuring his Match of the Day colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Lineker shared his belief that Arsenal’s near miss last season, far from demoralising them, will actually be a boon for Mikel Arteta’s side, stating, “Being in the title race has given them an experience they didn’t previously have.
“I’m tipping Arsenal to win the title this season — maybe just to avoid being predictable but I do think they have had an impressive summer in the transfer market.”
Spotlight on Arsenal’s new signings
He also spoke highly of Arsenal’s newest signings, particularly ex-West Ham skipper, Declan Rice, who moved to Arsenal for a hefty fee.
Lineker noted, “He is an exceptional player — a holding midfielder but also far more than that. Rice is a real leader, who will run all day, a player who can break the lines and make things happen with the ball at his feet.
“Of course, £105million is a massive fee but he will not have the same pressure as a forward player who moves for big money because they are constantly judged on their scoring record.”
Also on Lineker’s radar was former Chelsea player, Kai Havertz.
Despite Havertz’s underperformance in the previous season, Lineker expects him to shine at Arsenal, adding depth to the team, particularly as Arsenal’s star forward, Gabriel Jesus, is currently injured.
“I’m also intrigued to see where Kai Havertz fits in because he is a wonderful talent,” Lineker added.
“Despite scoring Chelsea’s winner in the 2021 Champions League final, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of the German yet. He looks to me like his best position might be as a No 10 but Arsenal have the excellent Martin Odegaard there already.
“Havertz may start the season at centre-forward as Gabriel Jesus is injured but he could also operate wide on the left or right or in a deeper role.
“He certainly adds depth and I’d expect Arsenal to add to their squad even further before the deadline.”
The impact of injuries
In Lineker’s view, the injury of William Saliba during last season’s run-in was a significant setback for Arsenal.
He believes, however, that with a bolstered squad, the club is more than capable of overcoming such obstacles in the coming season.
“Losing William Saliba to injury during last season’s run-in was a massive blow for them — possibly a decisive one — but with more depth Arsenal are capable of going one better this coming season.”
Lineker’s views on other Premier League teams and players
Moving away from Arsenal, Lineker also shared his predictions for other clubs and players in the Premier League.
He expects a massive season from Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and sees potential in Manchester United’s new signings, including Andre Onana and Mason Mount.
He also mentioned the surprising development of Saudi Pro League clubs splurging on veteran players this summer.
In summary, Lineker’s insights indicate an exciting Premier League season ahead. With his predictions leaning in favour of Arsenal, fans of the club have much to look forward to.