Jamie Carragher changes Premier League prediction with ‘only team’ who can top Arsenal

Jamie Carragher has reshaped the Premier League title race with a bold new prediction, identifying Manchester City as the only side capable of overtaking Arsenal after their deadline day coup for Enzo Fernández.

City’s midfield reshuffle pays dividends

According to Mirror Football, City completed a reported £125m deal for Fernández, the Argentine World Cup winner, hours before the window shut, capping a summer of aggressive recruitment that also saw them sign Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi. The additions follow the sale of Rodri to Barcelona, a move Carragher described as “a really big thing” but one City have seemingly offset with a midfield trio that now looks formidable. Carragher told Mirror Football that the new arrivals give City the strongest midfield in the division: “I think that gives them the greatest chance, ahead of any other team, and maybe the only team who can wrestle this title from Arsenal.”

The loss of Rodri, a Ballon d’Or winner during his time at City, was a significant blow, but Carragher believes the club’s ability to rebuild—amidst broader squad turnover—has been underrated. City’s total spending this summer reached record levels, with Fernández’s arrival joining Iliman Ndiaye’s £65m move as part of a reshaped attack under new manager Enzo Maresca. The departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal, meanwhile, leave Arteta’s side with fewer established options up front, adding weight to Carragher’s assertion that City are now the Gunners’ closest threat.

A record window reshapes the landscape

The Premier League’s summer transfer spending smashed records, exceeding £3.2bn across all clubs—a figure driven by high-profile deals like City’s capture of Fernández and Chelsea’s failed attempt to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco for £47m, as reported by Mirror Football. The Blues’ frustration was palpable after Monaco reneged on the agreement with minutes left, while Everton’s pursuit of Folarin Balogun collapsed entirely, leaving them with just two deadline-day arrivals. Sunderland, meanwhile, outmanoeuvred Crystal Palace to secure Malick Fofana from Lyon, a move that underscores the chaotic final hours of the window.

Arsenal’s own summer ended without a marquee attacking signing, despite protracted interest in Julián Álvarez. The Gunners’ sales of Martinelli and Jesus, combined with Ethan Nwaneri’s loan departure, leave Arteta’s squad thinner in attack than many expected. That void could prove decisive if City’s reshaped midfield—now featuring Fernández alongside Anderson and Bouaddi—can impose their rhythm on games. The contrast between the two clubs’ transfer business is stark: City acted decisively to replace Rodri, while Arsenal’s inability to land a top-tier forward may yet prove costly.

What comes next for the title race?

The Premier League’s new-look hierarchy will be tested immediately. City’s opening fixtures include a trip to Tottenham Hotspur, where Mykhailo Mudryk has joined on loan, and a home game against Liverpool, who spent £120m on Bradley Barcola. Arsenal, meanwhile, face a daunting run-in that includes Manchester United and Chelsea, two clubs whose own transfer windows have drawn mixed reviews. United, despite adding Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans, have seen key players leave, while Chelsea’s Camara deal collapse leaves them without a clear midfield replacement for Fernández.

Carragher’s prediction hinges on City’s ability to gel quickly. The midfield trio of Fernández, Anderson, and Bouaddi will need to replicate the control Rodri provided, while Maresca’s tactical setup must adapt to the new personnel. Arsenal, despite their attacking limitations, remain favourites on paper, but City’s deadline-day firepower suggests the race may not be the procession some anticipated. The next two months will reveal whether Carragher’s bold claim holds water—or if Arsenal’s early-season momentum remains unassailable.

One thing is certain: the £3.2bn spent across the Premier League has not just reshaped squads; it has redrawn the title fight. Whether City can capitalise on their midfield overhaul may decide who lifts the trophy in May.

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