Arsenal backed to miss out on top four despite excellent summer

• Tweet
• Pin It

Arsenal are still being tipped by the bookmakers to miss out on the top four despite bringing in some quality players this summer.

Mikel Arteta has been delighted with the business Arsenal have done so far in the transfer window. A marquee striker was the priority and Arsenal somehow managed to convince Gabriel Jesus to swap the Etihad Stadium for the Emirates.

Jesus won three Premier League titles during six years at Manchester City and was being chased by Champions League clubs such as Chelsea. However, Arteta successfully lured the Brazilian international to Arsenal and he’ll no doubt be a superb addition to the squad.

Arsenal missed out on the top four by just two points last season despite not having a proven goalscorer in the squad for much of the campaign. Had Jesus been leading the line, the Gunners would no doubt have beaten Tottenham to fourth place.

It’s surprising then that bookmakers and the best au online casino sites are tipping Arsenal to struggle for fourth again this coming season. Arteta’s side are currently 2/1 outsiders to finish in the top four, with even Manchester United expected to finish above them. Given the problems faced by new boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, it seems optimistic to think United will improve enough to finish above Arsenal, never mind challenge for the top four.

Rivals in transition

Chelsea are also in a transition year with Thomas Tuchel forced to overhaul his entire defence, so there is no guarantee the West Londoners will be able to repeat last seasons third placed finish. Chelsea could fall back into the chasing pack and face a real battle to qualify for the Champions League if they don’t get their recruitment right this summer. The Blues are odds-on with the best nz online casino sites to finish in the top four, but that’s seems generous and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arsenal finishing above their rivals.

Arteta’s side have looked superb in pre-season, and recently thrashed Chelsea 4-0 in Florida. Jesus has settled well and scored a hat-trick against Sevilla at the weekend to take his pre-season tally to 7 goals in 5 games. William Saliba also looks like a rock at the back having returned to the club following an impressive loan spell at Marseille last season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko will be another terrific signing for Arsenal following his move from Man City and he’s a huge upgrade on Nuno Tavares. Arteta is also expected to bring in a midfielder and another winger before the window closes to strengthen his squad even further.

If the Gunners can land two more top class players, then surely their 2/1 odds will tumble and the bookies will finally recognise them as serious challengers for the top four this season.

• Tweet
• Pin It