Arsenal have 'nothing to fear' in the Champions League aside from Real Madrid and Manchester City - Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal are "a threat for anyone" in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

They take on Porto - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday, February 21.

Assessing the chances of success in Europe’s elite competition for Mikel Arteta’s team, Ferdinand said: “I think they can go a long way in this tournament.

“As long as they stay away from Man City and Real Madrid until maybe the semis or finals, I think they can get that far.

“They’ve got nothing to fear outside those two.”

Since the Premier League’s winter break, Arsenal have been in sensational form.

They have won their last five matches, scoring 21 goals along the way.

A 5-0 thrashing of Burnley was their most recent outing and Ferdinand has been especially impressed with the way different players are contributing to the team’s success.

“[Martin] Odegaard scoring the other day, a couple of goals. [Bukayo] Saka scoring again. Those two creative players can define a match. When they’re in form, add [Gabriel] Martinelli to that, they’re a threat for anyone.”

Ferdinand has come in for some stick from Arsenal supporters after saying Saka is not at the same level as Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

“I don’t think [Saka is world class] because he hasn’t done it at the top level, winning trophies in a team like this,” Ferdinand said after City’s win against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

The former England defender was made to defend his viewpoint once more when he made his way out to Porto on a flight full of Arsenal fans going to follow their team in Portugal.

Taking over the aeroplane’s tannoy, Ferdinand said: “Hello guys. I just wanted to say it’s been an absolute pleasure travelling with you Arsenal fans.

“I must say Saka is a fantastic player, just not world-class yet!

“He will be one day but just not yet.”

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