Rio Ferdinand has downplayed Arsenal’s ability to win the Champions League this season, claiming the team has regressed under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal secured a spot in the round of 16 by winning six of their eight matches in the new league format. However, despite their dominant 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, Ferdinand believes they are not strong contenders.
Arsenal’s path to the final is anything but easy, as they find themselves in what many consider the tougher half of the draw. A quarter-final clash against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid awaits them. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, started slowly but reaffirmed their strength by eliminating Manchester City in the play-offs.
The Spanish champions followed this up with a first-leg victory over Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Bernabeu. This sets up a potential quarter-final meeting with Arsenal. Ferdinand, a former Manchester United and England defender, ranks Arsenal as only the fifth-best team in their half of the competition, behind Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid.
Ferdinand argues that Arsenal’s current squad is weaker compared to the past two seasons, even though they have consistently challenged Manchester City for dominance. He believes their progress has stalled, and recruitment strategy could be a factor in their inability to take the next step.
One of Ferdinand’s biggest concerns is Arsenal’s lack of a proper striker. He pointed out that they were forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a false nine, which he believes is unacceptable for a club aiming to win major titles. He criticized the club’s decision not to sign a forward during the January transfer window, arguing that such a move could prove costly.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand sees Real Madrid as the favorites to win the Champions League this season. He highlighted their depth in match-winners and believes their ability to perform under pressure gives them an edge. He emphasized that Madrid has multiple players who thrive in decisive moments and want to take center stage.
Despite his skepticism, Ferdinand did not completely rule out Arsenal’s chances under Arteta. He acknowledged that they have the potential to compete but insisted that their squad-building decisions need improvement. According to him, if Arsenal wants to be serious contenders, they must reassess their approach in the transfer market.
As the knockout stages progress, Arsenal will need to prove doubters wrong. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but whether they can overcome elite competition remains to be seen. Can Arteta’s side go all the way and lift their first-ever Champions League trophy?