Paul Merson snubs Man City in naming Arsenal’s ‘nearest’ Premier League title challenger

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| Deputy Sports Editor Published July 30, 2026 5:54pm Updated July 30, 2026 5:54pm Paul Merson says Liverpool are best placed to challenge Arsenal this season (Getty) Paul Merson believes Liverpool will be Arsenal’s nearest Premier League title challengers ahead of Manchester City for the upcoming season. Mikel Arteta’s side finished seven points clear of City to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years last season.

Speaking ahead of the new Premier League season, Merson has raised doubt over City’s title credentials and feels Liverpool are in a better position to challenge Arsenal. Arsenal finished seven points clear of Manchester City last season (Getty) ‘Don’t get me wrong, in the big games, when they’re playing back away in the Champions League in a quarter-final or the last 16, then you need two holding midfield players.

Premier League 26/27 title winner odds (Getty) Arsenal – 6/4 Man City – 11/4 Liverpool – 11/2 Man Utd – 7/1 Chelsea – 8/1 Tottenham – 20/1 Aston Villa – 33/1 Odds via Betfair ‘Unless they bought Anderson and he gets a season of learning under the best in the world in Rodri. Rodri will want to play, and he won’t want to sit there and be someone’s understudy. ‘But you’re still selling one of the best players in the world. ‘I don’t think Man City will win the Premier League this year anyway.