Ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is backing his former club to push Manchester City all the way for the Premier League title.

The Gunners came up just short last campaign but Fabregas feels that Mikel Arteta’s side could mount an even “stronger” challenge this season:

“They will compete for the title again, 100%. I do see Arsenal being stronger than last year so I think they will push them [Manchester City] even further. So if they want to win a title I think it will take them an even more harder job than what they did last year – which actually they did really well.”

Fabregas believes the additions of players such as Declan Rice will give Arsenal a better chance of finishing top of the table.

The London club have spent in excess of £200m on new signings during the summer transfer window, and fans will be hoping that the added depth in the first-team squad will enable them to go toe-to-toe with City.

The bookies are still backing City

Despite Fabregas’s bold prediction, though, most still regard the current title holders as strong favourites to retain their crown.

Every single bookmaker in the UK has the Citizens odds-on to finish top, while the best odds you can get for the Gunners are 11/2.

Arsenal face their first big test this weekend

After picking up 7 points from their first three fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham, Arteta’s men take on Manchester United on Sunday evening.

The Red Devils have not been firing on all cylinders at the start of the campaign, and they also have a number of injuries going into the match at the Emirates.

Of course, the Gunners don’t exactly have a fully fit squad to choose from either but the title contenders will be considered favourites for the game.