Mikel Arteta has backed Chelsea to challenge for the Premier League title, saying they have "every ingredient to be in the highest part of the table" ahead of their meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal manager's comments come ahead of a London derby that could provide an early indication of Chelsea's title credentials under Xabi Alonso.
Why Arteta Believe Chelsea Can Challenge For Premier League Title
Arteta highlighted several reasons why Chelsea can compete at the top of the Premier League this season. He pointed to Alonso's managerial quality, the club's history, the depth added through 11 new signings, and the benefit of having no European fixtures to contend with.
"Knowing him, knowing the history of the club, the quality of the squad that they have, the schedule that they are going to face in relation to other teams, it is very, very possible that is going to be the case," Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.
The assessment comes as both teams enter the fixture unbeaten on six points. Arteta and Alonso have been friends since childhood in San Sebastián, with both coming through the Antiguoko youth system before going on to successful careers in football.
The Arsenal boss said he spoke to Alonso before the match and was pleased to see his friend working at this level.
"To be facing each other at such a level and with the responsibility we have managing some of the top clubs in the country is a really beautiful thing to experience," Arteta said.
How Arteta Assess Emiliano Martinez Move and Chelsea's Summer Signings
Arteta reserved specific praise for Emiliano Martinez's switch from Arsenal to Chelsea, describing it as a "really smart" piece of business.
"Obviously, I know Emi really well… He is a top goalkeeper. It is clear what he is going to bring to the team, and I think it's a really smart decision," he said.
Chelsea's summer activity also included the record £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, after Arsenal emerged as frontrunners for the forward before Chelsea moved to secure his transfer.
Read More: Arsenal Target Morgan Rogers And Junior Kroupi As Lewis-Skelly Exit Rumours Grow
The Gunners took a different approach in the window, selling Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard while bringing in Christos Tzolis as their only senior attacking addition.
Premier League Title Race Implications of Arsenal vs Chelsea Matchday 3 Clash
Both teams have won their first two Premier League matches, arriving level on six points at the start of the campaign. Arsenal's victories came against Coventry City (3-0) and Aston Villa (1-0), with two clean sheets.
Chelsea, meanwhile, beat Fulham 3-2 before edging Brighton 4-3. The match kicks off at 16:30 BST at the Emirates Stadium, with both sides looking to maintain their perfect starts.
A win for Chelsea would strengthen the belief that Alonso's side can challenge near the top of the table, while Arsenal will be looking to extend their strong start and maintain their position among the early title contenders.
