Gary Lineker has tipped Arsenal to be the club most likely to break into the Champions League top four.
After securing the FA Cup and Community Shield under Mikel Arteta, hopes are high at the Emirates that the Gunners can have a good season.
Yet few have predicted Arsenal to completely bridge the 10-point gap that was opened up between them and fourth-placed Chelsea last season.
Match of the Day host Lineker believes that this season's top four will remain the same as last year.
Yet he predicted that, out of the teams looking to break into the Champions League qualifying spots, the Gunners look the most likely to do so.
Writing in the Sun, Lineker also said that Arsenal's most important piece of business this summer will be if they can get star attacker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign a new deal.
He said: “Of the sides most likely to break into those Champions League places, I would go for Arsenal.
“The only money they’ve spent so far is on the Brazilian defender Gabriel.
“But keeping hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is bigger than any new signing.”
Arsenal begin the season against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
After that, they face West Ham, Liverpool, Sheffield United and Manchester City in what will be a few early tests of their top-four credentials this season.
There will also be games against Leicester City and Manchester United early on in what is an intriguing opening few fixtures for Arteta's men.
