As the new season approaches, Arsenal to me look arguably the most balanced side in the League, and particularly if they manage to land Eze. Quietly and efficiently, they've gone about their business, and the pieces are falling into place. If I were their fans I'd be quietly confident.
Max Dowman is one to watch closely. Having followed him for the past few years, I genuinely believe he could be England’s answer to Lamine Yamal. He’s the most naturally gifted youngster I’ve seen in this country at his age for a long time - a player who could light up the Premier League when given the chance. If I were City, I wouldn’t hesitate to put £35–40 million down now. The talent is that clear.
Liverpool, on paper, still look strong - but the departures of mey players like Jota (RIP) and Luis Diaz could hurt them more than expected. Diaz, in particular, is a relentless presser and brings immense energy off the ball. Can Ekitike replicate that intensity? It’s uncertain at this stage. Ekitike is a natural Number 9 and has only played on the left wing a handful of times. Then there’s Florian Wirtz - a pure Number 10. Where does he fit in? It may require a serious tactical reshuffle, and inevitably, some difficult decisions over who makes way in the starting 11 at Liverpool. Their defence is clear for all to see, Van Dijk may be 34 but he's World Class, and Konate is a monster. Kerkez is a very good signing, Frimpong will be another Trent who's suspect defensively but immense going forwards.
Back to Arsenal though - the emergence of Myles Lewis Skelly is another huge plus. He is certain to progress even further this season as he's a top class prospect. At the back, Gabriel and Saliba form a genuinely world class centre-back partnership. The addition of Mosquera, one of the most promising young defenders around, only adds to their defensive depth. Then they have Timber, who's absolutely rock solid and should have been the Kyle Walker replacement. He is perfect for City at RB and we should have brought him in when he made noises of wanting to play for us.
In midfield, Martín Zubimendi sitting behind Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard could offer the perfect balance - giving Odegaard the freedom to dictate games and unlock defences as he used to be able to do. Add Bukayo Saka, the potential signing of Eze, and Gyokeres leading the line, and this is a side with serious strength across the pitch, and a side that is very dangerous.
City still boast the most complete squad in the league, but there are question marks. A high quality right-back is still a clear need, and much may hinge on whether players like Dias return to their best, and if Stones and Ake can stay fit. That said, City’s ceiling remains incredibly high. If those pieces fall into place, they will be as exhilarating to watch as ever especially with Mavericks like Rayan Cherki producing match winning moments on a regular basis. Our midfield 2 of Rodri and Reijnders on paper is the best in the league by some distance. The front 6 of Rodri, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Marmoush and Haaland is mouth watering. Drop Bernardo to the bench and take the shackles off this side, and I can see us blowing teams away.
