- In a passionate and rather surprising take, veteran manager and current Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has boldly tipped Arsenal to clinch the 2025/26 Premier League title, ahead of seasoned challengers Liverpool and Manchester City. The Italian tactician, revered for his tactical genius and decades of elite experience, expressed both admiration and caution in his predictionβbelieving Mikel Artetaβs men are well-positioned for glory if they address two crucial issues.
Speaking at a recent football summit, Ancelotti didnβt hold back his support for Arsenalβs project under Arteta, calling it one of the most promising rebuilds in English football. βTheyβre almost there,β he said. βBut two things must be done immediately if they want to turn potential into silverware.β
While the 65-year-old stopped short of labeling City or Liverpool as weaker sides, he emphasized that the Gunners possess a balance of youthful energy and tactical maturity that, with refinement, could finally end their two-decade title drought.
So, what are the two things Arteta must do?
First, Ancelotti pointed at the lack of leadership in high-pressure games. Despite a strong season last year, Arsenal dropped points in matches that mattered mostβespecially against mid-table opponents and during the final stretch. βThey need a cold head in the midfield,β he said, hinting at a possible experienced midfield general to guide the younger players during intense moments.
Second, he stressed the need for clinical finishing from a consistent No. 9. While players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have had moments of brilliance, none has cemented a 25+ goal season. βYou need a striker who doesnβt blink in front of goal. One who lives for goals,β Ancelotti said. Without that, he believes Arsenal may fall just shortβagain.
Ancelottiβs remarks have already gone viral among Arsenal fans online, with many expressing excitement over his endorsement while acknowledging the valid concerns. His comments also align with ongoing rumors linking Arsenal to a summer swoop for an elite forward and a veteran midfielder.
Last season saw Arsenal lead the table for most of the campaign before Cityβs relentless form snatched the title away late. Arteta, though commended for instilling identity and structure, came under scrutiny for lack of depth and tactical rigidity under pressure. Ancelotti seems to believe that this time, the Spanish coach has learned his lesson.
Interestingly, the Italian also revealed heβs βactually rooting for Arteta,β noting that the Arsenal managerβs growth has reminded him of his own evolution in the game. βHeβs not just building a team; heβs building a philosophy,β Ancelotti added.
With Liverpool under transition after Kloppβs departure and City potentially fatigued from years of intense competition, the upcoming season is shaping up to be Arsenalβs best shot in years. The return of key players, smart recruitment, and tactical evolution could all align in Artetaβs favorβif he heeds the wise counsel of one of Europeβs greatest minds.
The Premier League remains unpredictable, but Ancelottiβs bold forecast has certainly given Gunners hope. Whether they rise to the top will depend on how quickly and decisively they act in the final weeks of the summer window.
For now, Arsenal fans will cling to this statement like a prophecyβone that could finally lift them from mockery to majesty.
