Arteta: Chelsea possible title contenders

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes it is "very possible" that Chelsea will be Premier League title contenders this season, as the two unbeaten London clubs prepare to face each other at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Arteta, whose side won the league last season, pointed to the quality of Chelsea's squad and the management of his childhood friend, Xabi Alonso, as key factors. The match marks the first Premier League meeting between Arteta and Alonso, who grew up together in San Sebastian, Spain. Arteta expressed his happiness for his friend's appointment at Chelsea, calling it "a really beautiful thing to experience" to face each other at such a high level. He noted that Alonso's team has been among the most entertaining in the early part of the 2026-27 campaign, scoring nine goals in their opening two matches. Arteta also praised Chelsea's summer business, specifically their signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. "Obviously, I know Emi really well. We had him here. He is a top goalkeeper. It is clear what he is going to bring to the team and I think it's a really smart decision," Arteta said.