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Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season. The pundit believes the Gunners can triumph over Manchester City if they make a crucial signing this summer.
Arsenal have challenged Manchester City in two grueling title races in the English top tier for the last two seasons. They have shown excellent form and proved to be formidable rivals for Pep Guardiola's side. However, both campaigns have spelled the same fate for the north Londoners, finishing second.
Shearer believes Arsenal can end their 20-year title drought this season if they sign a prolific striker this summer. The Premier League icon told One Football:
"There's still so much that can happen in the transfer window. If Arsenal go out and sign a statement centre forward, then I really think they would have an excellent chance of winning the title.
"I think that could make the difference for them. Keep in mind how brilliant they were defensively last season, but they've now gone out and spent a fortune on another really, really good defender in Riccardo Calafiori. I still think they do need to strengthen in that centre-forward position and that could make the difference."
He added:
"I do think it'll be between Man City and Arsenal again but if Arsenal go out and sign a striker then I'd fancy them to win the title this year."
The Gunners will face Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17 while Manchester City play Chelsea the following day in their respective opening fixtures of the 2024-25 campaign.
Michael Owen makes Premier League title prediction involving Arsenal and Manchester City
Michael Owen has made a shock prediction for the Premier League title race this season. The former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United striker believes Manchester City will finish fourth this term.
Owen claims that the Cityzens, who have lifted the title for four consecutive seasons, will drop points this campaign. The Englishman has backed Arsenal to clinch the title.
He also predicted a second-place finish for Liverpool while backing Aston Villa to finish third in the standings. Owen said to Casino Hawks:
"In terms of the order [of teams' finishes], my thought process is if City are not gonna win it, they could actually drop away a little bit.
"It's almost like if City are not gonna be really in the race after 10 games then their priority could go elsewhere - I think there could be a big surprise this season. I'm going to go for Arsenal first, Liverpool second, Aston Villa third and Manchester City fourth."
These same four sides also finished in the top four last season, with Liverpool finishing third and Aston Villa fourth.
