Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney says he expects Arsenal to challenge at the top of the Premier League “again” next season.

The DC United manager claims the additions that the Gunners have made to their squad this summer will help them go toe-to-toe with Manchester City:

“I thought they had a fantastic season last year and I thought it was a huge step for Arsenal, I think the signings that they have made are really good signings to try and kick on by challenging Manchester City because they will be the favourites again to win the Premier League.”

“I think Liverpool will be better next season. Chelsea will be better. Hopefully, Manchester United will be better as well. But I think Arsenal have made some really good signings and I think they will compete again.”

Rooney was speaking ahead of Thursday’s friendly between MLS All-Stars and Arsenal, with the Englishman set to take charge of the Gunners’ opponents.

The Pre-Season tour could define the futures of some players

Mikel Arteta has already said that he will be using the trip to the United States to find out a bit more about some of his players.

After returning from his loan spell at Stade de Reims, Folarin Balogun is expected to be handed a lot of minutes to prove he can be part of the club’s first-team plans going forward. The 22-year-old is keen to get game time and, if he can’t get it with Arsenal, he would like to go elsewhere.

It will also be interesting to see where Kai Havertz fits in. Arteta says he has yet to decide what position the German international will play next campaign, which is slightly surprising considering he cost £65m. There will also be chances for youngsters, with Amario Cozier-Duberry having also been included in the travelling party for the US tour.