Pep Guardiola favourite now tipped to stop Arsenal from finishing above Man City in the Premier League next season

Both Manchester City and Arsenal seem to be embracing the tall task of dethroning Liverpool as Premier League champions next season.

Despite the acquisitions of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli, Pep Guardiola could make more signings to rebuild this City side as their sights seem set on winning the league title.

As for Arsenal, they could sign Viktor Gyokeres after having already sealed the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

While Liverpool have made statement signings like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez themselves, Manchester City and Arsenal could push them to the wire in the title race next season at the very least.

Photo by Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images

Shaka Hislop says Rodri could help Man City finish above Arsenal in the Premier League next season

The return of Rodri is a huge boost for City as well.

While Alan Shearer believes Rodri could struggle initially after having missed much of last season due to an untimely ACL injury, once the Spaniard returns to his brilliant best, he will have a huge say on the Sky Blues’ displays once again.

On ESPN UK, Shaka Hislop claimed that one of the reasons why Manchester City could finish above Arsenal in the league next season is the 28-year-old’s reintroduction into the side: “I’d take Arsenal over Chelsea, I’m not as convinced I’d have Arsenal over Manchester City, especially if Rodri rediscovers his old form. All of a sudden, you’d like to think that City last season were more of an anomaly and with Rodri coming back, signings refreshing their squad…”

Phil Foden heaped praise on Rodri by highlighting him as Manchester City’s “most important player:, which justifies why Hislop believes he could give them the edge over Arsenal: “Right now, I’m giving City the edge, just.”

Rodri record vs Arsenal

The Ballon d’Or winner has failed to win the title in just two seasons during his time at the Etihad Stadium, which includes the previous campaign where he made just four appearances due to injury.

During his time at City, the midfield maestro has played 13 times against the Gunners.

RODRI STATS VS ARSENALMATCHES13WINS9DRAWS2LOSSES2GOALS2ASSISTS0

Rodri has won nine while drawing and winning two games respectively in his 13 outings against Arsenal and next season, he will be determined to prove Shaka Hislop right by reminding the world of how key he is to this Manchester City side.

With Mikel Arteta referring to Rodri’s consistency as “extraordinary”, the Spanish tactician will be aware of how much his countryman could single-handedly elevate this City side from the previous campaign