Jeff Stelling has named Arsenal as the 'clear favourites' to win the Premier League title again this season. The Gunners ended a 22-year wait for the trophy last term, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City after three consecutive runners-up finishes.
Arsenal's summer business
Arsenal have already brought in Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis, while making Piero Hincapie's loan permanent from Bayer Leverkusen. However, the club are reportedly still pursuing big-money deals for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend believes Arsenal are 'definitely the team to catch' as they prepare to defend their title, especially if Mikel Arteta can add one or two 'primetime' signings.
Stelling's assessment
Stelling, now hosting talkSPORT's breakfast show, echoed Townsend's comments, pointing to question marks over Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United. He said: 'Bruno Guimaraes would be a certainty to start and I think he'd be a terrific signing for them.'
'Manchester City with a new manager [Enzo Maresca], big question marks. Liverpool, big question marks over them, even though I love Andoni Iraola. Manchester United have not spent, have they? That may change but they've not spent.'
'So at the moment, Arsenal, for me, are the clear, clear favourites in terms of the Premier League but it's a question of what they can do in Europe as well.'
Pre-season and opening fixtures
Arsenal began their pre-season with a 3-0 win over MK Dons and face Real Betis in Dublin next. They then host Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates before their Community Shield match against Manchester City on August 16.
The north London side start their Premier League defence five days later at home to newly promoted Coventry City.
