Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue believes Chelsea’s spending and summer recruitment have made them genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season.
Chelsea invested £349 million during the summer transfer window, signing 11 players, including Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck and Emi Martinez. Eboue says the strength of their squad means Arsenal must be wary of the challenge from the Blues.
“Chelsea are a team Arsenal needs to watch out for because they have many very good players,” Eboue told LiveFootballTickets. “The Premier League will be very competitive, but I believe in what Arteta is doing and I believe in Arsenal.”
Despite identifying Chelsea as a major threat, Eboue expects Arsenal to retain their Premier League crown. He also believes Mikel Arteta’s side can win the Champions League for the first time this season, after losing to PSG in May this year and missing out on the trophy.
“Arsenal is my team. This season will be very difficult because there are so many good teams and players,” said Eboue. “But if Arsenal continues to play the way they are, I believe they can win the league title. I would give them a 75% chance.”
Arsenal have moved closer to European success, says Eboue
Eboue believes Arsenal’s progress in recent seasons has put them within reach of achieving their long-term ambition in Europe.
“Arsenal are getting closer and closer to their goal,” he said. “If they keep getting closer every year, one day they will win the Champions League.”
The former defender also said Arsenal’s style of play is now causing opponents greater concern than in the past, when the team was often praised for its performances but criticised for failing to win major trophies.
“I believe in this team and I believe in their style of play,” Eboue added. “In the past, people would say Arsenal played well but couldn’t win. Now, other teams are afraid when they play against Arsenal.”