Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal remain in a 'different universe' to European giants such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, given their lack of Champions League success. The Arsenal manager made the comments ahead of Wednesday's clash with Bayern at the Emirates Stadium, where both sides boast perfect records in the league phase.
Arsenal have won all four of their Champions League matches so far without conceding a goal, but Arteta emphasised that sustained success is needed to be considered elite. 'We have never won the Champions League in our history and Bayern Munich have won it six times. So, we are not there,' he said. 'Compared with Real Madrid – they're a different universe.'
Bayern striker Harry Kane, who has scored 27 goals this season, returns to north London where he has netted six times at the Emirates – more than any other visiting player. Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber acknowledged the challenge, calling Kane 'one of the best players in the world'.
Arteta confirmed that forwards Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz will undergo scans to assess their availability for Sunday's match against Chelsea, while captain Martin Ødegaard is expected to be fit for the Bayern encounter.
Kane, whose contract with Bayern runs until 2027, has been linked with a move to Barcelona, but the England captain insists he is happy in Munich. 'The move has been one of the best decisions in my life,' he said, adding that he has not spoken to any other club.
