Arsenal title warning: Ex-Chelsea man says Osimhen could decide Man City battle

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has made a clear prediction for the 2026-27 Premier League title race, but he has also given Arsenal a way to change his mind, Soccernet.ng reports.

Cole believes Manchester City will win the league if Arsenal do not sign Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, who is also on the radar of Tottenham, before the transfer window closes.

The former England international says Arsenal still need a top-level number nine despite winning the Premier League last season. He believes that missing piece could decide another close title race between Mikel Arteta's side and City.

“I’m going to put an asterisk on this,” Cole said as per the Metro. “I think Manchester City win the title if they [Arsenal] don’t bring in a number nine because I still think that will be a problem for them.

“Therefore, I am predicting Manchester City to clinch the league ahead of Arsenal, but if they sign Victor Osimhen, I would change my prediction. As it stands, my choice is Manchester City.”

Cole's view comes as Arsenal prepare to defend the title they won in dramatic fashion last season. The Gunners finished the 2025-26 campaign with 85 points, seven ahead of City, and ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy. They were confirmed as champions after City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth in Matchweek 37. Arsenal then beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on the final day.

Arsenal v Man City: Why Osimhen could change the prediction

Arsenal have already strengthened their squad this summer. Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge, Piero Hincapie's move from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent and goalkeeper Illan Meslier joined from Leeds United. The club has also agreed a £51m deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

The attack, however, is still the main subject of transfer talk. Arsenal lost Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, while Viktor Gyokeres was their leading scorer during the title-winning campaign. The Gunners' goals were spread across the team last season, with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Trossard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino all contributing.

Barcelona-linked Osimhen would give Arteta another powerful option in the centre of the attack. The 27-year-old joined Galatasaray permanently after his time at Napoli and has scored 59 goals in 74 matches for the Turkish club.

Arsenal have also been linked with talks involving Galatasaray. Reports say Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have featured in discussions between the clubs, with Osimhen's possible move to north London part of the wider negotiations.

Arsenal's title defence starts on Friday when Coventry City visit the Emirates Stadium. Their next two league games are away to Aston Villa on 29 August and at home to Chelsea on 5 September.

Former Premier League striker Carlton Cole is even more confident about what Osimhen could add.

“Arsenal have the best squad and if they get Victor Osimhen in they’re going to be flying, he could be top goalscorer if he comes.”

There is still a major obstacle. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has said the club does not want to sell Osimhen this summer, while Arsenal have other areas to strengthen before the 1 September transfer deadline. The Turkish champions have already rejected a Saudi bid of €130 million for the Super Eagles star.

Manchester City will also start the new campaign under a new manager, Enzo Maresca, after Pep Guardiola's departure. Erling Haaland remains City's main attacking threat after scoring 27 Premier League goals last season to win the Golden Boot.

Still, Cole is convinced Osimhen could decide whether the title remains in London or make a return to Manchester.