Gary Neville predicts whether Arsenal can beat ‘amazing’ Chelsea record for lowest goals conceded in Premier League season
Pundit Gary Neville has suggested that Arsenal may find it difficult to break Chelsea's Premier League record of conceding just 15 league goals in a campaign. The former Manchester United defender said that the Gunners may get close to the mark but might not better it.
On the Sports Agents podcast, Neville said:
"Oh I don't know about that. That's a pretty amazing record. Top only concede 15 goals in 38 matches is incredible. I still can't believe to this day that they actually did it. They'll get close I think, but I don't think they'll quite break that record."
Under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea set the impressive tally in the 2004-05 season, conceding 15 times in 38 league games. The team had an impressive backline of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas along with Petr Cech in goal, firing the Blues to Premier League glory.
The current Arsenal squad also boasts some impressive talent in defence, including Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White. David Raya has also proven to be an immense presence between the sticks. The Gunners had the most clean sheets last season (18) while conceding just 29 goals in the league.
Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly join Real Madrid in pursuit of Franco Mastantuono
Arsenal and Chelsea will reportedly rival Real Madrid for the signature of 17-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono. According to CaughtOffside, the two London sides are looking to bring in the youngster to England after his impressive performances in Argentina for River Plate.
Reports in Spain suggest that Los Blancos have had their eyes on the player for a while, with Spanish outlet Sport claiming that they had reached an agreement with him on personal terms, but negotiations with River haven't begun.
Mastantuono has a contract until the summer of 2026 with River and also has a €45 million release clause. He holds records for being the side's third-youngest player and the youngest goalscorer.
Under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's ownership, Chelsea have invested heavily into talents from South America. They splurged close to £60 million for Palmeiras' Willian Estevao while also completing deals for the likes of Angelo Gabriel, Deivid Washington and Andrey Santos.
Arsenal have also explored the South American market but not as much as their London counterparts. Their most valuable addition from that part of the world has been Gabriel Martinelli, who joined for £6 million in the summer of 2019.