Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree on Arsenal's title chances as two key points raised

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer believe Arsenal will once again come up short in the title race, predicting another season of frustration for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners have finished runners-up for three consecutive years, but have addressed key areas of their squad during the transfer window to end their wait for a Premier League title.

New striker Viktor Gyokeres is the club’s most important summer signing following his move from Sporting CP. Throughout last season, the Gunners’ lack of a recognised striker was often highlighted as a reason for the club falling behind their title rivals.

Martin Zubimendi is a key addition in midfield, while the likes of Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke provide Arteta with a more well-rounded squad. However, Lineker and Micah Richards believe Arsenal could be hampered in the title race for two reasons.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shares plans for Kai Havertz after Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres transfer

READ MORE: Premier League predictions: Liverpool and Arsenal title race, top four, relegation debated

When asked about Arsenal’s title chances on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards recalled his thoughts from last year: “It’s a hard one because I remember saying last season that I thought Manchester City had won it if everyone stayed fit. If [City] got any injuries, those little injuries could be the difference.

“Bringing in Gyokeres now for Arsenal is massive. And not just because he’s a big-name forward. Because of his movement that we talk about with strikers all the time. Havertz is really good, we’re all big fans of Havertz, but in a number 10 position where he can create, not leading the line.

“I know [Havertz has] done really good movement when he plays up there but he hasn’t got a striker’s instinct. So that’s why I think Gyokeres is gonna add something really special.

“I still don’t know if it’s enough to get them over the line. I still don’t know. I think one or two injuries and they’re back to the same as last season. So I’m going to say challenging but not champions.”

Despite working on their squad depth, Richards does not trust that Arsenal’s title bid would survive injuries to some of their key players. Premier League legend Alan Shearer also believes that the Gunners will end the upcoming season with a familiar feeling.

“I’d agree. I think they’ll challenge, I just think they may fall short again,” Shearer said. “I like all of their signings. I think that’s exactly what they needed. And I still don’t think they may be finished yet in terms of bringing players in and certainly players going out.

“I’ve definitely got them in Champions League but I just don’t see them having enough to win the title. Just fall short.”

Meanwhile, Lineker agreed with his colleagues that Arsenal will fall short in the title race, pointing out that the club are relying on Gyokeres instantly adapting to the Premier League, though the striker recently impressed in a pre-season win over Athletic Bilbao. The Gunners face a daunting challenge to overcome reigning champions Liverpool, who have made several high-profile moves during the summer.

Lineker admitted: “I think I concur with both of you on that front. I probably wouldn’t have said that if it wasn’t that Liverpool have strengthened so well.

“A lot too will depend on how Gyokeres does. I mean he scored a terrific goal in pre-season but we all know pre-season is not that important. Although, it is for a striker in terms of that feeling of hitting the back of the net.

“So I think a lot will depend on him but we know he’ll get good service. I think they could go close again but I’m going to agree with both of you.”

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