Mikel Names Arsenal 2026/27 Premier League Favourites

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has tipped reigning champions Arsenal to successfully defend their Premier League title, describing Mikel Arteta’s side as the “team to beat” heading into the new season.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder said Arsenal enter the campaign as favourites after ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League crown last season and building what he believes is the strongest and most settled squad in the division.

“The good thing that you can say about this season is it is absolutely wide open, absolutely f*ing wide open, apart from Arsenal. Apart from Arsenal… you can say that this is the team right now,” Obi Mikel said.

He added: “They’re settled, they have a manager who has been there for so many years, he’s built a team and a squad that has gone on to win the Premier League. It doesn’t matter how they won it, they finally crossed the line.”

Despite backing Arsenal, Obi Mikel challenged Arteta to evolve the team’s style of play as they seek to retain the title.

“I want to see now how they play… I want to see how Mikel Arteta and this Arsenal squad play this season because they have to defend that title,” he said. “If you look at all the top five, top six teams, they are the most settled squad. They still have the best squad in the Premier League and he’s still strengthening the squad.”

Mikel believes Arsenal should focus on signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, whom he believes would significantly strengthen Arteta’s midfield.

“He’s going to be a good signing for Arsenal. I think him and Declan Rice in that midfield and Martin Odegaard is going to be good. Mikel Arteta knows he has to play some attractive football this season. You can’t play the same way you played last season,” he said.