John Obi Mikel has named Arsenal as the team to beat in the Premier League this season, insisting Mikel Arteta still has a better and more settled squad than his rivals.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the title last term, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City. The celebrations were marred only by defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, but the Gunners are now preparing to defend their crown.
Mikel: Arsenal are the team to beat
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder said: 'Wow, the team to beat? There are so many teams. The good thing that you can say about this season is it is absolutely wide open, absolutely f***ing wide open, apart from Arsenal.'
'Apart from Arsenal… you can say [with Arsenal] that this is the team right now. 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.'
Mikel added that Arsenal have the most settled squad among the top six and are still strengthening, but he is keen to see how they approach the new season after last year's pragmatic style.
Vinicius Junior transfer talk dismissed
On Arsenal's reported interest in Vinicius Junior, Mikel said the Brazilian is 'using' the Gunners to get a better deal at Real Madrid. 'He's not coming! Forget about that,' he said. 'He's just using Arsenal to get a better deal at Real Madrid. He's not leaving Real Madrid.'
Instead, Mikel suggested Bruno Guimaraes would be a more realistic signing and a good fit alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
