Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has stirred football conversations with his bold take on the Premier League title race. While acknowledging that Arsenal may currently boast the strongest squad in England—thanks to their massive £250 million summer spending spree—Mikel insists the real battle will be between Liverpool and his former club, Chelsea.
The Gunners strengthened heavily with top names like Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon to fix their striking woes, alongside additions such as Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, giving Arteta two strong players in every position. Mikel admitted the squad depth is impressive but warned that the Arsenal manager is under huge pressure, with the Premier League or Champions League seen as the only acceptable trophies this season.
Despite Arsenal’s reinforcements, Mikel believes Liverpool’s unbeaten run—boosted by their recent capture of Alexander Isak—and Chelsea’s resurgence, fresh off a Club World Cup victory, make them the true title favorites.
“I think it’s between Liverpool and Chelsea, and we have a good chance of winning it,” Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast. “Right now, if you look at the team that can beat Liverpool, I say Chelsea. The way Enzo Maresca has got this team playing out from the back, no matter how much you press, they have the belief and bravery to play through it.
“We are the team that can hurt Liverpool. We can be there at the end of the season, so it’s between us and Liverpool.”
