EDDIE Howe does not think Arsenal are far away from once again becoming Premier League title challengers.

The Cherries boss was speaking ahead of his side’s FA Cup fourth round showdown with the Gunners tomorrow at Vitality Stadium (8pm).

Howe locked horns with new Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for the first time when the teams drew 1-1 in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

The Gunners have not won the league crown since 2004 and have finished outside the top four for the past three seasons.

Asked how far away he felt the north London side were to challenging for the title again, Howe replied: “I don’t think they are far away.

“There is a lot overreaction in many different phases to different teams’ form.

“I think it just takes one good season. Obviously there needs to be an upturn in consistent results.

“But I think they have a very good manager, they’ve got very good players – I think they have had very good managers historically.”

He added: “Sometimes you just need things to click into place.

“But I think a lot of the top sides are in that moment where they are rebuilding to sustain a challenge. I think Arsenal would be one of those teams.”