Rio Ferdinand Revises Premier League Title Prediction: Arsenal Now Liverpool’s Main Threat

Just three games into the 2025/26 Premier League season, Rio Ferdinand has dramatically shifted his title race forecast — now backing Arsenal as the primary challengers to Liverpool, rather than reigning champions Manchester City. The former Manchester United defender believes the Gunners’ summer spending spree and squad depth position them as serious contenders, despite a recent setback against their Merseyside rivals.

🔄 Arsenal Replace City in Ferdinand’s Title Equation

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ferdinand acknowledged the traditional respect owed to defending champions, but pointed to Manchester City’s sluggish start — two defeats in their opening three matches — as cause for concern.

“Champions normally go into the following season as the team to beat, that’s inevitable,” Ferdinand said. “But I think the only team who will be anywhere near Liverpool this season is Arsenal.”

He praised Liverpool’s summer recruitment, calling it “the best window by far,” and noted that Arsenal’s own transfer activity has significantly bolstered their title credentials.

💰 Arsenal’s Summer Spending Signals Intent

Arsenal invested over £250 million in the summer window, bringing in high-profile names including:

• Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
• Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
• Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
• Noni Madueke (Chelsea)

Ferdinand singled out Gyökeres as a potential game-changer, stating that if the Swedish striker “comes good,” Arsenal’s chances will improve even further.

“They’ve got a great squad, real good depth with who they’ve bought,” he added.

🔴 Liverpool’s Ruthless Reinforcement

Liverpool, meanwhile, spent over £400 million to reinforce their squad, adding Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz. Ferdinand believes their recruitment was “pure and clean,” and only missed out on one target — Marc Guehi — in what he described as a near-perfect window.

🧠 European Football Could Hinder Rivals

Ferdinand dismissed the likelihood of surprise contenders like Newcastle or Chelsea mounting a serious challenge, citing the strain of European football on squad rotation and consistency.

“European football hinders them a little bit… just the demands it puts on the squad.”

⚔️ Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: A Crucial Response

Arsenal return to action this Saturday against Nottingham Forest, who are under new management following the appointment of Ange Postecoglou. The Gunners will be eager to bounce back from their 1–0 defeat to Liverpool and reassert their title ambitions.

With two wins from their first three games, six goals scored, and just one conceded, Arsenal have laid a solid foundation. Now, under the watchful eye of critics and supporters alike, they must prove Ferdinand right — and show they’re ready to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool for the crown.