Arsenal ‘one of the favourites’ to win Champions League as rival manager makes lofty Mikel Arteta claim

Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign looking to go a step or two further than they did last season with a trip to Spain first up on the calendar.

Mikel Arteta has seen his new signings make an immediate impact and already they look stronger and more likely to endure the demands of a long and punishing season.

That his bench during the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest featured six players who were regular starters last season says it all about the quality of the recruitment and how quickly they have settled.

The signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in particular looks a shrewd acquisition and has already made an impression with BBC pundit Troy Deeney selecting him in his team of the week.

There is a Spanish influence scattered throughout Arsenal’s side under Arteta with Athletic boss Ernesto Valverde fully aware of the problems that his team could face, as reported by Onda Cero: “Last year we played in Europe and we have some experience in these types of matches, but the Champions League is played at a different pace.

“It’s a different level. The opponents don’t hold anything back. Arsenal is completely focused on this match and we have to be at that level to be able to compete,” Valverde urged in the pre-match press conference prior to the clash at the San Mamés. The Spanish manager also wants to “show that we can compete in Europe with Athletic’s philosophy.”

A return to the Champions League after 11 years is one that Valverde is looking forward to and doesn’t feel like it will be a hurdle for some of his players to overcome: “That has to help us; it shouldn’t be a burden at all. It’s the start of the Champions League, our fans will come motivated, and it’s a very high-calibre opponent, one that Bilbao likes. We can’t forget what we’re up against, but our goal is always to compete.”

“We also know them (Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi) and we hope they don’t shine as much as they would like . It’s also an added incentive to be able to face these players,” noted Valverde, who also praised his opposite number Mikel Arteta as being “surely one of the best managers in the world.”

“What he’s doing at Arsenal demonstrates that. Not only because Arsenal has great players but because of what they do, how they play, their spirit, how they press you up front. It’s a team that has a hallmark, and that hallmark is his. I’m happy for him.

The Athletic boss also declared Arsenal as, “one of the favourites to win”.

What sort of form are Athletic in?

Athletic reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season and qualified for the Champions League via an impressive La Liga campaign.

Valverde isn’t stupid, he knows that his team are underdogs and is attempting to ramp the pressure and expectation up on Arsenal despite the game being held in Spain.

The Basque outfit have danger players of their own but have lost their last two games and won’t be encouraged by their results against Arsenal and Liverpool during pre-season.

Nine goals conceded in three games suggests that Arteta could get the Champions League season off to a flyer, if the mentality and attacking intent is right.