Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has predicted that Arsenal FC will challenge for the English Premier League, only to lose out to champions Chelsea FC.
Arsenal beat Chelsea on Sunday to win the community shield, a first win for Arsene Wenger over Jose Mourinho in 13 attempts.
Following the triumph, there was a suggestion that the Gunners could finally end their 12 year wait for the Premier League crown and win it this year.
‘Ferdinand reckons Arsenal will go close’
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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech has significantly strengthened the Gunners and will enable them to do better than previous years, while speaking as a pundit for BT Sports following the Community Shield win.
As quoted saying by the Daily Mail, Ferdinand said: “Arsenal have made the best signings, I would say that even if they had just signed Petr Cech.”
“He is the best signing in the league, he is that important. There is a huge responsibility in that position as a goalkeeper. With him in goal they have got a better chance.”
Former Gunner and Ferdinand’s England team-mate Sol Campbell also hailed Cech: “Any top club needs that experience especially between the sticks.”
“Cech has come through all the ups and downs and still has that winning mentality, and that can make the difference at the top of the table for sure.”
‘Chelsea FC to win the league’
However, despite the Cech signing, Ferdinand went onto put his money on Chelsea FC retaining the league title.
He said: “I think Chelsea are the team to beat, they have a great squad. That’s why they haven’t made huge strides in the transfer market because they don’t need to.”
“They have got the best players and the most drilled squad.”
Earlier, Jose Mourinho had stated tthat fewer points will be needed to win the league next season due to the competitive nature of the league and it is indeed very tough to pick out one favorite.
With plenty of time still to go in the window, Arsenal could, yet, strengthen their forward line up and that would arguably make them much more stronger to win the league should Chelsea chose not to sign new players.