“I’m not convinced anyway” - Emmanuel Petit explains why it ‘will be very difficult’ for Arsenal to win Premier League

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit believes Mikel Arteta's team will find it tough to win the Premier League this term. The Gunners finished second in the league in the last three seasons, but a summer of reinforcements has ignited hope of a title triumph this campaign.

Speaking to AS, Petit pointed out that his former side's start to the season could be vital to the rest of their campaign.

"They won against Manchester United in an ugly match, but they got the three points. Manchester United actually played well. Looking at the schedule, they'll soon be facing the big teams in the Premier League. The start will be key for the rest of the season. New signings, like Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi, still have to adapt to Arteta's style," said Petit.

Petit further felt that the north London side lack depth in the squad, and need further signings to win the league.

"Gyökeres, for example, prefers to run into space behind defenders, while Arsenal tend to rely on possession. Perhaps they need to get back to the fast-paced counterattacking style they practiced two years ago to get the most out of it. Both he and the team need to meet halfway. Too often, wingers drop deep, leaving the pitch empty, making it difficult for Gyökeres to find space. So he, alone, isn't the solution," said Petit.

He added:

"If Arsenal quickly find the balance between his qualities and his style of play, they'll be in contention. But they're still missing one or two players. Lack of rotation has been their biggest problem in recent years, especially when injuries mount in the second half of the season. If things remain as they are, Arsenal can compete until the end, provided they're not plagued by injuries."

He concluded:

"But it will be very difficult, and I'm not convinced anyway. They need at least one or two more signings before the transfer window closes, especially on the wings (they've already signed Eze) . Saka is too isolated on the right, and Ødegaard is the only real playmaker. They've replaced those who left, but they still lack real depth."

Arsenal next face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, August 31, in the Premier League.

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Are Arsenal interested in Piero Hincapie?

Piero Hincapie [Getty Images]

Arsenal have entered the race to sign Piero Hincapie this summer, according to The BBC. The Ecuadorian defender has caught the eye with Bayer Leverkusen in recent years and famously won the domestic double in 2023-24 campaign.

Hincapie reportedly wants to leave the BayArena this summer and the Gunners are among multiple clubs eyeing him with interest. Mikel Arteta reportedly wants a new left-sided center back, and the 23-year-old fits the bill.

Hincapie has a £52m release clause in his contract, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the race as well.