Champions League: Can Arsenal truly conquer Europe this year? Breaking down their European chances
Undeniable growth
The club has had an undisputable path after years of being the outside looking in at Arsenal. The 2024- 25 season was marked by the Gunners getting second in the Premier League with one of the highest numbers of points in club history- a definite indication they are no longer domestic also-rans. The same campaign saw them go as far as they had not been to the UEFA Champions League in more than a decade, and they got to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by eventual champions PSG. The said milestones are indicators of actual momentum, rather than social-media buzz.
Squad depth and recruitment: made in Europe?
A winning team in the Champions League should be deep, tactical, and have the highest talent in various positions. The business and squad planning of Arsenal during the past two windows in the summer demonstrate obvious intentions to seal the gaps, as far as the club transfer market has seen several high-profile signings that were meant to inject flair and provide cover. Deep European runs are a prerequisite of that type of targeted recruitment.
Tactical identity under Arteta
Arteta has put in place a specific style of play: aggressive ball movement, high press, and deep build-up. That identity is important - Champions League winners tend to combine tactical clarity with the capacity to adapt to other teams. Arsenal have demonstrated that they are able to control possession and produce quality chances, yet Europe needs game management in knockout matches and strategic adjustments when out of the country. The fact that they have got as far as the final eight is an indication that Arteta is heading in the right direction, and the development of in-game pragmatism will determine it.
But no team is flawless. The loss of important attackers and midfielders has consistently thrown Arsenal out of rhythm; recent losses at the start of the 2025/26 season, that you can follow by checking our football livescore tool underscore the fact that it is a fine line at the very top. Experience is an advantage, but it can ruin continental plans to lose a creative genius or a defensive anchor for weeks or even months. Fewer bookings and dismissals, and overall discipline can also contribute to this; the league is not as lenient as in knockout football.
Competition - the gauntlet of Europe
Even an ideal Arsenal will not find it easy to win the Champions League crown. The tournament field also comprises teams with more recent European pedigree and knockout nous - sides such as Bayern, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG remain big hurdles. The emergence of Arsenal makes them a true player, yet the Champions League will need more than form and talent; it also needs experience in the two-leg tactical battles and even a bit of luck. History tells us that Arsenal are catching up; it takes time and effort to transform contenders into champions.
Hype or reasonable expectation?
Is it a hype or a reality that Arsenal is back to the glory days in the Champions League? It's a realistic hope. The league performances of the club, the better European demonstrations, and the intentional hiring connote that Arsenal can be discussed in the context of trophy acceptance - the club has built the premises. But glory is not automatic. To transform hope into reality, the Gunners should stay fit, sharpen mental and tactical knockout management, and continue upgrading where marginal gains can be obtained. In brief, the principles are actual; the last, cold-blooded measures are yet to be made.
The return of Arsenal to the top of Europe is plausible enough - the supporters should be optimistic, yet time and further development will determine whether this is an overture to the triumph in the Champions League or is just the beginning of the process. Arteta’s side kicked off the new Champions League in style, beating Athletic Bilbao away, despite missing star names such as Bukayo Saka. If the team can build on that momentum, going further than the last eight looks achievable.
