Andy Townsend still doubts Arsenal’s title credentials (Pictures: Getty)
Andy Townsend doubts Arsenal will amass more points in the Premier League next season despite spending over £200m on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
The Gunners have enjoyed a productive start to the summer transfer window, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s squad with the signings of England midfielder Rice, Germany forward Havertz and Netherlands defender Timber.
Arsenal 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 Townsend still has doubts over Arsenal’s title credentials.
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.
Arsenal were unable to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
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.
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‘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.’
MORE : Chelsea make transfer decision on former Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic
MORE : Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urged to sign Chelsea target after Declan Rice
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Arsenal have been busy in the transfer market.
