Arsenal among five favourites to win Champions League as Barcelona, Bayern Munich argument shot down

Arsenal will be among five favourites to win the Champions League when the competition enters its knockout stage, Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn has exclusively told Sports Mole . Mikel Arteta 's side have consistently gone one better in Europe's premier tournament since returning after a seven-year absence in 2023, finishing as quarter-finalists in 2024, semi-finalists in 2025 and runners-up in 2026. Arsenal welcome Lille to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for their second league-phase match of the 2026-27 season, after commencing continental proceedings with a 1-0 triumph over Napoli on matchday one.