Cazorla Predicts Close Title Race But Tips City to Impress Under Pellegrini

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla believes the battle for the Premier League crown will be as tight as ever despite three of the top four teams from last season changing their managers.

Manchester United will have a new manager for the first time in over a quarter of a century when David Moyes takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson, while Jose Mourinho has returned to Chelsea and Manchester City have appointed Manuel Pellegrini.

There had been suggestions that with much upheaval at each club that the league could become more open but Cazorla does not expect the managerial changes to have caused too much disruption as each manager has an impressive record.

"The most radical change is at Manchester United because Ferguson has been there for so long," Cazorla told the official Arsenal magazine.

"It will be a little difficult at the start for a new manager but I don't think it influences too much in terms of being an advantage for other teams. There are great managers at those clubs and I'm sure [the title race] will be just as difficult."

Arsenal are looking to spend big this summer so that the side can compete with the three sides that finished above them last season. It has been some time since the Gunners were in the race for the title come the last few weeks of the season but there is a sense of expectation about the next campaign.

While Arsene Wenger will be looking for improvement from his players, Cazorla believes that there will be a vast improvement from Manchester City now that they have appointed former Malaga boss Pelegrini.

Cazorla played under Pellegrini at Malaga and he feels that the Chilean can take City to the next level after a disappointing season under Roberto Mancini.

"I find it strange that some people don't know about him," he added. "He's done spectacular things with Malaga and Villarreal in the Champions League. Clubs like City obviously want him for a reason and, ultimately, it's for the job he's done.

"He's demonstrated he is top class. At whatever team he's been at - Malaga, Villarreal, Real Madrid - he's done well. He's had those teams playing spectacular football and I'm sure City will be a better team. I'm sure City's football will change and will be more offensive.

"I'm very happy for him because he deserves to be at a club of that level. He's getting his reward. He's been so important to my career."