Who Can Challenge Liverpool for the Premier League Title?

Who Can Challenge Liverpool for the Premier League Title in 2025?

Liverpool enter the new Premier League season as strong favourites after a record-breaking summer under new manager Arne Slot. The defending champions finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal last season and have spent £269m on reinforcements, including a club-record £100m deal for Florian Wirtz.

However, rivals Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle have all made moves to close the gap.

Arsenal – Ready to Go One Step Further

Arsenal will hope striker Viktor Gyokeres can prove to be the difference this season

• Spent: £201m

• Key signings: Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard

• BBC Verdict: Arsenal’s squad refresh aims to finally deliver silverware after coming close in recent years. Mikel Arteta’s side will play with more direct attacking intent to maximise Gyokeres’ strengths. If it clicks, they could push Liverpool all the way.

Manchester City – The Wounded Giant

Manchester City lost in the Club World Cup last 16 to Al-Hilal this summer

• Spent: £154m

• Key signings: Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, James Trafford

• BBC Verdict: After a trophyless season, Pep Guardiola’s side have retooled the midfield and added fresh faces. Flying under the radar may suit them, but the post-De Bruyne era will test their adaptability.

Chelsea – Young, Expensive, Ambitious

Chelsea won the Club World Cup this summer

• Spent: £249m

• Key signings: Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian, Jorrel Hato

• BBC Verdict: Enzo Maresca has moulded one of the youngest and most expensive squads in Premier League history. Fresh from Club World Cup glory, Chelsea believe they can fight for the title sooner than expected, despite publicly targeting a top-four finish.

Newcastle – Strong but Stalled

Anthony Elanga (r) scored for Newcastle in their friendly against Arsenal

• Spent: £55m

• Key signings: Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale (loan)

• BBC Verdict: Eddie Howe’s side showed they can compete with the elite, but a frustrating transfer window and the ongoing Alexander Isak saga threaten momentum. A thin squad needs urgent depth to sustain a title challenge.

Verdict

Liverpool remain clear favourites after strengthening an already dominant side, but Arsenal look the most likely to mount a sustained challenge. Manchester City cannot be discounted if their new signings settle quickly, while Chelsea’s young squad could surprise if consistency improves. Newcastle’s lack of depth may hold them back in the title race.