Arsenal left stunned as Inter player delivers a striking statement, pointing to one team stronger in Europe ahead of UCL battle.
On 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Manuel Akanji, defender for Inter Milan, leaders of Italy's Serie A, gave an interview ahead of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase matchday 7. The highlight fixture sees Inter hosting Arsenal, Premier League leaders from England, with the match kicking off at 03:00 GMT+7.
Arsenal is the only team with a perfect record of six wins in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase, currently leading the group. They have also beaten strong teams Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich, making Inter Milan's task very challenging.
However, Manuel Akanji, on loan from Manchester City and familiar with Arsenal from his 2022-2025 Premier League experience, was asked if the 'Gunners' are currently the best team in Europe. He replied, "I think Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe."
"But they are not the best. I don't think they are stronger than Atlético Madrid or Liverpool. It will be a good match. For me, Bayern is the strongest team in Europe right now. They play excellent football, score a lot, and concede very few goals."
"Has Arsenal improved? I don’t watch much football anymore. I have three kids at home, and my work involves a lot of football already. But they have many talented players and play consistently, which is very important for competition."
"How do you beat them? When facing big teams, mistakes can be punished. We must play attacking football efficiently and maintain precise ball possession."
