Kylian Mbappe hints where loyalties lie as Real Madrid star issues Liverpool prediction

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe believes "it could be Arsenal's year" in the Premier League title race, saying he has "high hopes" for Mikel Arteta's side.

Liverpool are favourites to retain their Premier League crown, especially after an incredible summer spree of more than £400million in the transfer window, bringing in big hitters like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot's men have already made a perfect start to the season by winning their first three games, the last of which was a 1-0 win over their rivals Arsenal thanks to a superb free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

That was Arsenal's only defeat of the season and there is still a long way to go - with the Gunners looking transformed after making some strong signings themselves, including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.

Mbappe, who has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the past, admitted Liverpool will be favourites to retain the title but he has a feeling Arsenal could finally end their 22-year wait to win the Premier League - citing the teams familiarity with each other.

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"Of course, Liverpool has to be mentioned first and foremost, as they're determined to win one title after another," he said in an interview with Bild. "But I also have high hopes for Arsenal, because the core of the team has known each other for a long time, and that's a crucial factor in football. And Manchester City is always at the forefront anyway, with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.

When asked to give a proper verdict on the title race, he added: "That's tough. Maybe Arsenal, maybe it will be their year. It would certainly be easier to say City or Liverpool."

Mbappe and Madrid will come up against both Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League this season. They will face the Reds at Anfield on November 4 and then host City on December 10. The French forward was also asked for his verdict for the Champions League this season - and unsurprisingly backed his own team for glory.

"I always say Real Madrid," he said. "But there are many good teams in Europe, a lot. We saw that last year was great with the new Champions League format. This year will be even better. It will be interesting to see who prevails in the end."

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