Antonio Conte believes Arsenal have a squad good enough to end their 14-year wait for the Premier League title this season.
Chelsea take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday just over two months after being beaten by their London rivals in the FA Cup Final.
Conte's side still enjoyed the better campaign in 2016-17 though as they won the Premier League, whereas Arsenal finished fifth - their lowest position for 21 years.
But with the Gunners buying Alexandre Lacazette, plus keeping Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez so far, Conte feels they have what it takes to claim first spot for the first time since 2004.
In Pictures | Arsenal sign Alexandre Lacazette | 05/07/2017
He said: "Arsenal are a potential rival this season. I consider Arsenal as one of the six teams that are ready to fight for the title.
"Arsenal have a really good squad. They have the same potential as last season when they were prepared (had a squad big enough) to play in the League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
"They haven't lost players and they have bought Lazazette. They have improved because they have kept the same squad as last season.
"They have players like Ozil and Sanchez, a lot of good players and for sure they're a good team."
Conte also has a lot of respect for Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, who signed a new two-year contract after the Gunners' victory against the Blues at Wembley in May.
In Pictures | Arsenal vs Chelsea, FA Cup Final | 27/05/2017
He added: "I consider Arsene Wenger one of the best managers. I think it's right (he stayed) because he is a really good coach.
"He has had a lot of time to build his team and squad - he is the right choice for them.
"I'm not surprised he stayed. He is one of the best managers in the world, Arsenal are one of the best teams. This is right."
