The Premier League season may only be three games old, but the debate over who will lift the trophy in May 2026 is already heating up. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City remain the frontrunners, each staking a strong claim to the crown.
For Arsenal, the hunt to end a 20-year wait for the league title continues. The Gunners have finished runners-up in three straight campaigns under Mikel Arteta, echoing Arsène Wenger’s early struggles before eventually guiding his side to glory at the fourth attempt. Arteta and his players will be hoping history repeats itself this season, though Liverpool and City stand firmly in their way.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has now weighed in on the title race, and his prediction may come as a surprise.
Mbappé backs Arsenal’s consistency
Speaking to BILD while on international duty, Mbappé highlighted the strengths of all three contenders but suggested Arsenal’s continuity could give them the edge.
“Liverpool always deserve to be mentioned first. Their hunger for trophies is incredible,” Mbappé said. “But Arsenal also stand out to me because this group has played together for a long time, and that understanding makes a big difference in football. And of course, Manchester City remain one of the best with Guardiola and Haaland leading them.”
Pressed on who he believes will ultimately take the title, the French captain leaned toward the Gunners. “It’s difficult to choose, but maybe Arsenal. This could finally be their year. Naturally, it’s easier to say City or Liverpool, but I think Arsenal have a real chance.”
Mbappé’s close relationship with Arsenal defender William Saliba may have played a role in his supportive comments. Still, his words will give fans hope that Arteta’s project is edging closer to silverware.
Interestingly, it wasn’t too long ago that Arteta revealed Arsenal once came close to signing Mbappé—a move that could have drastically changed their title ambitions.
