Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has claimed that Arsene Wenger’s side are “technically and football-wise” far better than Premiership rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

The veteran Germany international, who has been released at the end of last season by the Gunners, now plays for Bundesliga’s Stuttgart, who lost to the Gunners 3-1 in last night’s pre-season friendly.

Lehmann is quoted as saying in The Sun: "Technically and football-wise, Arsenal are far ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.

"Arsenal's young players have grown in maturity from last season.

"But it is difficult to say about their title chances as the competition is tight."