Arsene Wenger believes the ‘Big Four’ Premier League teams will become the ‘top six’ this season – and that might not include Manchester City.

The Arsenal manager said he expects Aston Villa and a ‘surprise team’ to challenge Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and his side for domestic honours, but doubts City’s new-look side will click straight away.

“I never felt that the top four were set forever,’ he said. ‘If you look at the last 10 seasons, only two teams (Arsenal and United) were always in the top four. You cannot discount Aston Villa. Last year they collapsed in the last 12 games, but at some stage they looked like they would fight for the championship. “

“Man City have a great squad, but sometimes when you buy more than three players you make a technical gamble to find the balance. Sometimes it clicks, sometimes it can take a few months.”