Andy Townsend still doubts Arsenal’s title credentials despite £200m summer spending spree

Arsenal have enjoyed a productive start to the summer transfer window, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s squad with the signings of England midfielder Declan Rice, Germany forward Kai Havertz and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber.

The Gunners came close to winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004 last season, amassing 84 points from 38 games, five fewer than Manchester City. Arteta wants his side to go one better and become Premier League champions next season but Andy Townsend still has doubts over Arsenal’s title credentials.

Will Arsenal Get More Points Than Last Season?

Asked if Rice will make the difference in helping Arsenal to win the title, the former Chelsea, Aston Villa and Ireland midfielder told talkSPORT: ‘I honestly don’t know. They’ve spent a lot of money and brought three good players in. Kai Havertz is a tricky one because he never quite did it at Chelsea. He never looked like he would click in a Chelsea shirt. But there’s something about him which suggests he might be a very useful player for Arsenal. Jurrien Timber is very athletic and adventurous and obviously all eyes will be on Declan Rice following that stunning move. Do those three players make Arsenal stronger and that much better? They will be very competitive but I don’t know if those three tip the balance for me in terms of where they will finish. Will they get more points than last season because of those three players? I’m not so sure about that.’

Arsene Wenger Backs Arsenal to Win the Title

While Townsend doubts Arsenal will end their wait for a league title next season, legendary Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has backed Arteta to lead the club to Premier League glory. ‘I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that,’ Wenger said at the weekend, before giving his verdict on Arsenal’s £105m deal for Rice. ‘I think it is a good investment. Overall, personally I think they have made good buys as they are players who are now mature, 23, 24, but still young so can stay together for a few years. They will be under more pressure after last year, but they have learned a lot and they can show they can deal with that pressure now.’

Conclusion

Andy Townsend still has doubts over Arsenal’s title credentials despite their summer spending spree, but Arsene Wenger believes the Gunners can win the Premier League next season. It remains to be seen whether Rice, Havertz and Timber can help Arsenal amass more points than last season and end their wait for a league title.

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