The Gunners could be set to come up against a transfer prospect in the Champions League who is predicted to become one of the world’s finest players in his role. Arsenal avoided the play-off stage by finishing top of the league phase and have now identified their possible last-16 challengers.
Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund emerged as the candidates for Arsenal and second-placed Bayern Munich. Both German sides had an advantage after the first leg, and while Leverkusen secured victory over Olympiacos, Atalanta staged a dramatic late turnaround against Dortmund to seal qualification with the final kick of the game.
Arsenal are believed to favour a tie against the Serie A side, and if Friday’s draw delivers that scenario, they will face not only former player Sead Kolasinac but also reported transfer target Honest Ahanor.
According to Caught Offside, a number of Premier League teams, including Chelsea, are monitoring his progress closely, with claims that club representatives have attended matches to watch him this season.
The 18-year-old defender joined Atalanta last summer in a €20 million (£17.5m) move from Genoa and is already highly regarded in Italy. His reputation was reinforced by comments from former Inter and AC Milan striker Aldo Serena, who offered glowing praise for the youngster.
Serena wrote on X: “I don’t usually gamble, but I could make an exception for Ahanor. I’m convinced that by the time he is 20, he will be among the very best in the world in his position.”
Ahanor has yet to cement a regular place in Atalanta’s starting defence, but he has made several senior appearances, including a 17-minute substitute role in the comeback win over Dortmund.
To truly impress his growing list of admirers, the teenager will be eager to shine against elite opposition. Such a stage could also give Mikel Arteta a closer look at a centre-back who may one day be viewed as a long-term replacement for Gabriel Magalhaes.
If Arsenal advance past either Atalanta or Leverkusen, a quarter-final clash with Manchester City could be on the cards, provided Pep Guardiola’s side overcome Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid.
The two clubs are already locked in a tense Premier League title race, currently led by Arsenal, and are also set to meet in the Carabao Cup final in late March.
Less than a month after that Wembley showdown, City and Arsenal will face off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that could prove decisive in the battle for the league crown.
Before then, Arsenal must navigate Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Brighton and Everton, along with an FA Cup fifth-round away tie against Mansfield Town.
