‘Others Don’t Know Where They Are Going’ Ex-Chelsea Star Names Arsenal As 2026/27 Premier League Champions

‘Others Don’t Know Where They Are Going’ Ex-Chelsea Star Names Arsenal as 2026/27 Premier League Champions Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has backed Arsenal to win the 2026/27 Premier League title, claiming the Gunners have more stability and direction than their main rivals. Leboeuf believes Arsenal are the team best positioned to lift the Premier League trophy this season after narrowly missing out in previous campaigns. The former France international pointed to Arsenal’s squad strength, continuity and clear tactical direction under manager Mikel Arteta as key reasons for his prediction. Speaking to ESPN, Leboeuf said Arsenal have an advantage because they appear to have a clearer understanding of where they are heading than some of their rivals. The former Chelsea star believes the Gunners have built a squad capable of competing with the best teams in England and now have the experience required to make another serious title challenge. Arsenal have finished as runners-up in recent Premier League title races, but Leboeuf believes the club’s continued investment has put them in a stronger position to finally go all the way. One of Arsenal’s major additions this summer has been Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The midfielder brings Premier League experience and additional quality to Arteta’s midfield, although Leboeuf admitted there are still questions about how he will fit into the team.

A key issue will be whether Guimaraes plays alongside Declan Rice or is used in a different midfield role. How Arteta handles that combination could have a major impact on Arsenal’s performances throughout the campaign. Despite his confidence in Arsenal, Leboeuf identified one potential weakness the fitness of William Saliba. The French centre-back has become one of the most important players in Arteta’s defensive system, and Leboeuf believes replacing him would be extremely difficult. Arsenal have added defensive options, including Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, but Leboeuf insists neither player can simply replace Saliba’s influence. “If I was an Arsenal fan then I wouldn’t be worried,” he said, while acknowledging that Saliba’s availability could still prove crucial. Arsenal’s challenge is now to turn consistent title challenges into actual Premier League success. Arteta has transformed the Gunners into one of England’s leading teams, but the club will be under pressure to deliver another major domestic trophy after coming close in previous seasons. Leboeuf believes the current squad has enough quality and stability to take the final step. The former Chelsea defender concluded that Arsenal are his favourites, although he warned that the team must still prove their credentials on the pitch. Arsenal will face competition from several established Premier League contenders, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea among the clubs expected to challenge near the top of the table. However, Leboeuf believes uncertainty surrounding some of those rivals gives Arsenal an advantage heading into the new season.