Frank Leboeuf has backed Arsenal to win a second consecutive Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, saying the Gunners are the overwhelming favourites for the 2026/27 season.
Arsenal ended a 22-year title drought last season, finishing seven points ahead of Manchester City after three successive runners-up finishes. They also reached the Champions League final, but lost to PSG on penalties in Budapest after Kai Havertz's early strike.
Leboeuf's confidence in Arsenal's squad
Speaking to ESPN, the former Chelsea and France defender said: 'The reason is clearly because the others, they don't know where they go. Arsenal have some assurances and they know that with the team they have right now they can be better anybody else.'
Leboeuf acknowledged uncertainties about new signings Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, and free agent Illan Meslier, but stressed the importance of William Saliba to the defence. 'The biggest question is for William Saliba. It's a good thing that Piero Hincapie signed a contract and Cristhian Mosquera can play in that position, but nobody can replace Saliba,' he said.
Arsenal's transfer activity
Arsenal have strengthened with Guimaraes, Tzolis, and Meslier, and are still looking for more firepower. Juventus's Kenan Yildiz has emerged as a target after Vinicius Junior rejected a move to stay at Real Madrid.
Leboeuf added: 'When you have Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba you are strong, you know that you are stronger than anybody else and that's what it is. If I was an Arsenal fan then I wouldn't be worried. Can they now double up and win the Premier League? Yes, they are the favourites for me, but they will have to show it.'
Obi Mikel agrees
Another former Chelsea player, John Obi Mikel, made similar remarks on The Obi One Podcast, calling Arsenal the 'team to beat' and the most settled squad among the top sides. 'They're settled, they have a manager who has been there for so many years, he's built a team and a squad that has gone on to win the Premier League,' he said.
Obi Mikel added: 'If you look at all the top five, top six teams, they [Arsenal] are the most settled squad. They still have the best squad in the Premier League and he's still strengthening the squad.'
