The top stars can often transcend sports, with Michael van Gerwen one of those who can often go beyond the darts he throws on stage.
The Green Machine, as he is affectionately called, knows what it takes to win a thing or two in his own sporting domain, something the current Arsenal side is still looking to do.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have had a few near misses, going close to glory in the Premier League but just missing out.
It will take a gargantuan effort to seal the deal this time around, given the lead for Liverpool at the very top of the division.
With such a huge challenge ahead, Van Gerwen has now made a brutal prediction for Arsenal that spans even beyond this season.
- READ MORE: Brazil’s media give review of Marquinhos as Arsenal star involved in fiery derby with red card
Michael van Gerwen fires dig at Arsenal with Premier League title claim
Van Gerwen has a link to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, having previously tiled the footballer’s house before his rise to stardom in darts.
All those years later, the Dutchman was lifting Premier League titles of his own, winning the PDC version during the early stages of the competition.
He will be looking to do similar this year and has backed himself to win more in the next few years before Arsenal even lift one.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Van Gerwen was asked if he could win a tenth Premier League title before Arsenal lift their next – with three title victories needed to reach that milestone.
He responded: “Yes, 100 per cent. Because at the moment I don’t think that’s going to happen [Arsenal winning the Premier League title]!
“I think Arsenal has a little bit more clubs to look after. Of course, I have a few players that I have to make sure are behind me, but not as many as Arsenal.”
While it’s a clear initial dig at the club, his reasoning makes sense, not least with the sheer amount of games that Arsenal are having to play.
That said though, the Gunners will be hoping that isn’t the case, with the side set up for success this season and all those beyond it.
- READ MORE: Bukayo Saka and Ben White injury return dates revealed as Arsenal handed major ‘early’ boost
Arsenal are desperate to end Premier League title drought
It has now been over 20 years since Arsenal last lifted the Premier League title, last doing so in 2004 as part of the famous Invincibles team.
In the years since, both Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta have gone close to ending the long wait but haven’t quite done enough.
While the Gunners were hopeful 2024/25 would be their season, a mixture of difficult performances and tough luck have stood in their way.
It’s far from over, though slightly unlikely, that they can claw back the lead to Liverpool, but they need to end that title drought sooner rather than later.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
