Former football star Wayne Rooney has expressed his belief that Arsenal could emerge as the winners of the Champions League this season, following Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. This win propelled Chelsea into the top eight of the competition, where teams automatically qualify for the knockout stages.
Barcelona, last season’s La Liga champions, were considered strong contenders for the title but suffered a dramatic semi-final elimination against eventual runners-up Inter Milan. In contrast, Chelsea did not participate in Europe’s elite tournament last year, instead claiming victory in the Conference League.
Rooney highlighted Arsenal’s impressive performance in the ongoing Champions League, noting their perfect record ahead of a crucial match against Bayern Munich on March 6, 2024. The Gunners have secured victories against notable teams like Athletic Bilbao, Olympiakos, Atletico Madrid, and Slavia Prague, positioning them as serious contenders for a deep run in the tournament.
Rooney’s Confidence in Arsenal
The Premier League leaders have not only shown resilience in their domestic league but have also excelled in European competition. Rooney remarked on Arsenal’s potential, stating, “I think they have got as good a chance as they’ve had for a long time,” while praising their robust squad depth and effective recruitment strategies.
He noted, “The whole squad they’ve put together has good players starting and on the bench to come in if they get injuries. I think the recruitment has been really good, and they’ve been really strong in the Premier League.”
Rooney’s prediction aligns with the sentiments expressed by former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel, who also believes Arsenal possesses the depth needed to secure their first Champions League title. Mikel stated on “The Obi One Podcast,” “This season I think it’s Arsenal’s to lose… They have the best squad not just in the Premier League, not just in England, in world football right now.”
The Road Ahead for Arsenal
As Arsenal prepares for their matchup with Bayern Munich, who are equally unbeaten in the Champions League, the pressure mounts. The clash will serve as a litmus test for Mikel Arteta’s team, offering them a chance to solidify their standing in a highly competitive group.
Arsenal’s current odds to win the Champions League, as reported by Betfair, place them at 4/1, making them one of the favorites alongside Bayern Munich at 9/2 and Paris Saint-Germain at 6/1. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, both Rooney and Mikel’s endorsements reflect a growing optimism around Arsenal’s capabilities this season.
As the Champions League progresses, supporters will be eager to see if Arsenal can translate their Premier League success into European triumph.
