Liverpool icon, Jamie Carragher has said that Manchester City have surpassed Chelsea in strength following the signing of Enzo Fernandez.
He predicted that the Cityzens will finish above the Blues in the league standings this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher added that the London club have lost an important player from their squad.
He commended the attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro but emphasised that Enzo’s departure has shifted the dynamics.
He said: “This pushes City above Chelsea. Many, including myself, have thought that Chelsea would enjoy a successful season.
“However, losing Enzo Fernandez, who I consider one of Chelsea’s key players, is a major setback.”
Carragher further noted that Manchester City have significantly improved since the beginning of the transfer window.
He expressed confidence that their revamped midfield will enable them to contend for the title.
He added: “Man City look a lot stronger now. I would say they’re going to be the biggest challengers to Arsenal right now. It is a really good squad. There’s no doubt about that. There’s been a lot of turnover.
“Losing Rodri was a huge blow, and I initially thought it would be challenging to recover from that. However, if you had suggested at the conclusion of last season that they would acquire Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez, one would have considered that an exceptional midfield.
“They have invested heavily in it, which is to be expected. I believe this positions them as the leading challengers and possibly the only team capable of truly contesting the title with Arsenal.”
The Blues were unable to secure a replacement for Enzo Fernandez after AS Monaco withdrew from their agreement for Lamine Camara at the transfer deadline.
EPL: ‘They’re now above Chelsea’ – Carragher names biggest title challengers after transfer deadline