Man City will attempt to win a record-extending fifth successive title next term and seventh in eight seasons under Pep Guardiola.
But former England stars Shearer, Lineker and Richards believes Arsenal will continue their progression under Mikel Arteta and end the Gunners’ long wait for a Premier League trophy.
Arsenal have finished as runners-up two years in a row and still had a chance of winning the title on the final day of the 2023-24 season.
Assessing Arsenal’s campaign on The Rest is Football podcast, Premier League record goalscorer Shearer said: ‘They pushed City all the way last season and the title race obviously went right down to the final day.
‘They definitely improved from the previous season, Declan Rice helped a lot. I think big things are coming for Arsenal.
‘If they can get in two more top-quality [players] and add them to what they’ve already got, I think they could do it next season.’
Ex-Manchester City defender Richards added: ‘Agreed, agreed. There’s been massive improvement from Arsenal.
‘You just go back to that Aston Villa game when Unai Emery got it spot on tactically. That was disappointing for them but I think they will win it next year.’
Former England striker Lineker then said: ‘Yeah, I think they might.
‘It depends on who they bring in but Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job. You can see the gradual improvement every season and it’s still a young team buying in to what he believes in.
‘They’re improving and they’re definitely on the right track. I think they will go very close next season.’
Arteta issued a rallying cry to Arsenal fans and his squad after they narrowly missed out on a first Premier League title since 2004.
‘All this is happening because you started believing,’ he said in a speech at the Emirates Stadium on the final day of the season.
‘You started to be patient, you started to understand what we were trying to do and all the credit has to go to these amazing players, and the staff that are unbelievable.
‘I think now it’s time to have a break, think, reflect and please, keep pushing, keep inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that, and we’re going to get it. Thank you so much.’
While Man City and Arsenal’s fate was decided on the final day, Liverpool finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
Aston Villa finished in the final Champions League spot ahead of Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United.
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