“No disrespect to Arsenal” – Rio Ferdinand says Gunners wouldn’t have won PL title if one key thing had happened last season

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Arsenal wouldn’t have won the Premier League title if one key thing had happened last season.

Arsenal finally got the camel off the back after winning the Premier League title after 22 years. Mikel Arteta’s men finished first with 85 points, 8 clear of second-place Manchester City.

Former Red Devils star Rio Ferdinand has boldly claimed that Man City would’ve pipped Arsenal to the Premier League title if key midfielder Rodri was fit and available throughout the season.

In the recently concluded season, Rodri missed 27 games across all competitions (via Transfermarkt). He was able to start only 17 of the possible 38 PL games last season, which proved to be a big headache for Pep Guardiola.

Speaking about the changes at Manchester City, Ferdinand said on his podcast about the impact Rodri has had on the Cityzens. He also added that his exit from the club amid interest from Barcelona could further their issues. He said (via Metro UK):

“Can we just talk about Manchester City please? Not only have they lost Pep Guardiola, it now looks like they’re losing Rodri. That’s two of the most important people at the football club in the last seven or eight years.

“If Rodri started and played every game last season and didn’t have that injury, Man City win the Premier League. No disrespect to Arsenal, but if Rodri played ten more games, Man City would have won the league.”

‘I think Man City have a huge challenge this year in competing in the way they have in the last eight or nine years.”

Man City are set to go into a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure. They have appointed Enzo Maresca to replace the legendary Catalan manager; losing Rodri would further increase their problems.

The Gunners, on the other hand, seem to be in a strong position. They have already signed one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in Bruno Guimaraes and will probably look to sign more players to strengthen their squad this summer.

Turkish giants proposing move for Arsenal duo in the summer: Reports

Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri this summer. According to Turkiye Today, Gala have made a €40 million offer for Martinelli and a €5 million loan offer for Ethan Nwaneri this summer.

The club reportedly wants the duo to be signed before August 21, when they will take on Erzurumspor in the Turkish Super Lig.