‘Not just’: Rodri now makes big claim about Arsenal and Tottenham in the Community Shield final programme

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has shared his thoughts on what Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal can achieve this season.

Rodri spoke in the matchday programme before his team’s loss against Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday and says the North London clubs have done excellent business this summer.

Spurs have added six players to Antonio Conte’s squad this summer, including Premier League proven players like Richarlison and Yves Bissouma.

Arsenal’s business has been just as impressive as Mikel Arteta has brought in some familiar faces in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zincehnko.

Rodri makes big claim about Tottenham and Arsenal

Rodri spoke about the threat of Liverpool this season as City look to regain the Premier League title.

But the Spanish midfielder did not want to overlook other contenders, and tipped Spurs and Arsenal to be involved in the title race in the Community Shield programme.

“Not just Liverpool, but Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, (Manchester) United,” he said.

“We just have to focus on ourselves as always, focus on each game and we will see if we can make it three Premier League titles in a row. They’re a top team and have great players in every position, like us.

“They’re [Liverpool] so demanding. They’re a top team and have great players in every position, like us. It’s so intense, whether it’s at the Etihad, Anfield, Wembley or any other stadium. The level is so high.”

The 26-year-old feels that Spurs and Arsenal have made excellent moves in the transfer market and has tipped four teams to challenge City and Liverpool this season.

“Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and many other teams have signed top players this summer,” he said.

“As we always say, we will always just focus on ourselves and try to be the best we can be. I don’t worry about that too much.

“I always trust our club to make the best signings to improve the team and I think they’ve done that again this season,” as the Liverpool Echo transcribed.

Spurs and Arsenal could be fighting for more than fourth place this season

Spurs and Arsenal battled it out for fourth place last season as Conte’s men pipped their rivals to the last Champions League spot.

But off the back of successful summer windows for both clubs, Rodri is tipping them to push on this season.

It could be that the North London sides will once again battle it out in the Premier League, but this time the stakes could be a lot higher than European football.

Liverpool and Manchester City have set an incredibly high benchmark over the past few seasons but the summer window shows that other teams are trying their best to close the gap.