Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the Champions League this season are under scrutiny, as former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has cast doubt on their ability to go all the way.
Despite their recent thrilling victory over PSV Eindhoven, Ferdinand believes the Gunners are far from being one of the favorites to win the competition.
Ferdinand Doubts Arsenal’s Strength in Europe
After a historic 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven, which saw Arsenal secure a commanding position in the knockout stages of the Champions League, many fans were optimistic.
This victory marked a significant achievement, making them the first team to score seven goals in an away knockout match in the competition’s history.
However, Ferdinand doesn’t share the same optimism.
He feels that, even with their strong showing, Arsenal are still lagging behind other top European clubs.
According to him, the Gunners are not even in the top tier of teams on their side of the draw.
“I think they’re probably the fifth-best team in the Champions League on that side of the draw,” Ferdinand remarked on his YouTube channel.
He believes they are behind clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain in terms of strength.
For Ferdinand, this is a significant step backward for a team that many had expected to challenge for top honors this season.
Arsenal’s Recruitment and Team Composition Under Fire
Ferdinand also took issue with Arsenal’s squad and recruitment strategy.
While praising some of the individual performances, he pointed out that the team is still lacking in key areas, particularly up front.
He was critical of Arsenal’s January transfer window, where they failed to bring in a new striker, despite the opportunity.
“I definitely would have made a beeline for a centre-forward, 100 percent,” he said.
While players like Kai Havertz have been filling the role, Ferdinand believes that Arsenal still needs an out-and-out No. 9 to compete for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
“I don’t see it,” he added, reinforcing his belief that Arsenal’s recruitment needs to change if they are to compete at the highest level.
Darren Fletcher Joins in with More Pessimism
Joining Ferdinand in his critique, TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher was even more dismissive of Arsenal’s chances.
“I think they’re miles off,” he said when asked if Arsenal could win the Champions League.
Fletcher pointed out the tough competition Arsenal faces on their side of the draw, which includes Real Madrid, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and PSG.
The road to the final for Arsenal looks incredibly challenging, with a potential quarter-final matchup against giants like Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, followed by even tougher opponents in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the other side of the draw includes Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Inter Milan—teams that pose their own set of formidable challenges.
A Difficult Path Ahead for the Gunners
While Arsenal has shown promise in domestic competitions, their journey in Europe seems more uncertain.
Their current form and recruitment issues have left many wondering if they can truly compete for the Champions League this season.
With the competition heating up and more formidable opponents awaiting them, the Gunners’ path to glory seems filled with obstacles.
As they face some of the biggest clubs in world football, only time will tell whether Mikel Arteta’s side can rise to the occasion or if they will fall short in their pursuit of European glory.