Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has identified Arsenal as the leading contenders for the Premier League title in the 2026/27 season, backing the North London club to secure consecutive championships.
The prediction comes after Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for a top-flight crown under manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners also reached the UEFA Champions League final in the same campaign, where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to ESPN in comments reported by Metro UK, Leboeuf expressed strong confidence in Arsenal’s current squad depth and defensive solidity. “Arsenal have some assurances and they know that with the team they have right now they can be better anybody else,” he said. “With Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba in the lineup, they are formidable; they know they are stronger than any other team, and that is the reality. If I were an Arsenal supporter, I would not be concerned. Can they achieve a consecutive Premier League title? Yes, they are my favorites, but they must prove it.”
The French World Cup winner acknowledged ongoing fitness concerns within the squad but maintained that the team’s peak performance level surpasses any rival in the division. His assessment arrives amid significant summer recruitment at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have moved to strengthen their title credentials with the acquisition of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a reported £75 million. The club has also secured the services of Greek winger Christos Tzolis and signed goalkeeper Ilian Meslier on a free transfer.
The reinforcements suggest a deliberate strategy to sustain the momentum generated by last season’s domestic triumph. Arteta’s side will enter the new campaign with the rare distinction of being defending champions, a status that brings both expectation and a target on their backs.
Leboeuf’s endorsement carries weight given his experience at the highest level of English football during his five-year spell at Stamford Bridge. His verdict reflects a growing consensus that Arsenal’s blend of defensive reliability, midfield control, and tactical maturity positions them as the team to beat.
The coming months will test whether the squad can manage the dual demands of domestic and European competition while integrating new signings. For now, the former Chelsea centre-back sees no reason to doubt the Gunners’ capacity to replicate their success.
