Paul Scholes believes it is 'very possible' that Arsenal will not only retain the Premier League title this season but also secure a historic treble. The Gunners are short favourites to lift the Premier League trophy again after clinching their first title since 2004 in May.
Summer signings and strong start
Mikel Arteta has strengthened an already strong and deep squad with the summer signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa. Arsenal began their title defence in impressive fashion, sealing a routine 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City.
While Arsenal won a long-awaited league title last term, Arteta's side suffered a heartbreaking Champions League final defeat to PSG and lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City.
Scholes and Dublin back the Gunners
Asked whether Arsenal could win a stunning treble this season, Dion Dublin said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: 'Do you know what? I'm not going to back Arsenal to win the treble, but I'm not going to rule it out either. They've got the best and most settled squad and there's a real harmony at the football club. The football playing they're great and when Mikel Arteta looks over his shoulder he sees a great bench, it's ridiculous strong. It's so difficult to win a treble but I wouldn't put it past them. The Premier League will be hard enough to win, let's get it right, but I wouldn't put it past them. I wouldn't put it past them at all.'
Manchester United legend and ex-England midfielder Scholes then said: 'I agree with that. I think it's very possible with the way they're looking. I still think in the last week of the transfer window they could bring another player, which is scary. They've just signed Ezri Konsa as well who is a top-class defender.'
Neville's prediction and next test
Meanwhile, Scholes' former teammate Gary Neville can only see Arsenal retaining the Premier League title this season. There is uncertainty at several of Arsenal's possible title rivals, with Manchester City and Liverpool under new management following the departures of Pep Guardiola and Andoni Iraola.
Asked for his title prediction on Sky Sports, Neville said confidently: 'One hundred per cent Arsenal. They're way out in front. With what they've got already now in defence and in midfield, with the good attackers that they've got, they've got a really good standard, then they're fine.'
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Monday night against Aston Villa, who were thrashed 4-0 by Brighton on Sunday following a worrying summer transfer window.
