Rio Ferdinand has boldly claimed that the Premier League title chase next season will be a two-horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City, dismissing Arsenal's chances.

Arne Slot celebrated an incredible first year in charge by leading Liverpool to Premier League success, leaving the Gunners to settle for second place once again. City, who were the previous champions, managed to claw their way back to third after lagging behind the leaders earlier in the season.

Liverpool have been proactive in bolstering their championship squad, while City have been rejuvenating a side that didn't live up to expectations last year.

Ferdinand is convinced that these two giants will battle it out for the top spot, pointing out Arsenal's dire need for a high-calibre striker.

"It's only going to be between Liverpool and Man City next season," Ferdinand asserted on his YouTube channel 'Rio Ferdinand Presents'.

'Arsenal might kick up a fuss for a couple of months - six months maybe - [but nothing more].

"Arsenal's signings right now look likely to be Norgaard, who is 31 years old, Kepa, who was a reserve keeper at Chelsea, and Martin Zubimendi, but the entire fan base is crying out for a centre forward or a left winger."

Rio Ferdinand has expressed mixed feelings about Arsenal's recent signings, yet he's notably impressed with Liverpool's summer spree, which includes the record-breaking acquisition of Florian Wirtz and significant deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

He continued: "I think what's not being talked about enough is Liverpool's ability to go and get a player that City were after, Bayern Munich were after and reportedly Real Madrid were also after. And Liverpool have come out on top in that.

"I can see it so clearly at the club right now, I can see their whole process and their vision - it's so clear - and as a player, that's what you want when you walk into the club and they're pitching the project to you.

"I can imagine Wirtz coming out of that meeting with Slot and saying 'don't take any calls from any of those other clubs, I'm going here'."