Arsenal’s Champions League draw might become more challenging if Liverpool secure a top four finish in the Premier League.

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp attends a press conference at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, north-west England on February 20, 2023, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match against Real Madrid. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
 (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Arsenal’s Champions League group stage draw could be adversely affected if Liverpool finish in the Premier League’s top four.
  • The Gunners’ European coefficient rating could see them placed in pot three of the Champions League draw, facing tougher opposition.
  • Arsenal’s potential group stage opponents could include footballing heavyweights like Barcelona, Napoli, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Benfica.

Arsenal fans have a new reason to be nervous as the end of the Premier League season approaches.

The Gunners, under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta, have confirmed their return to Europe’s premier competition, the Champions League, after a seven-year hiatus.

However, their joy could be short-lived if Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool manage a top-four finish.

Liverpool’s potential top four finish puts Arsenal in a bind

The outcome of Liverpool’s season could significantly impact Arsenal’s Champions League journey.

If the Reds finish in the Premier League’s top four, Arsenal could potentially land in pot three of the Champions League draw.

Such a placement could see Arsenal face more challenging group stage opposition, a daunting prospect for a team freshly returning to the competition.

The European Coefficient – Arsenal’s downfall

Arsenal’s potential drop to the third pot can be attributed to the European coefficient system, which ranks clubs based on their performance in European competitions over the last five seasons.

Having been eliminated in the Europa League last 16 by Sporting Lisbon this season and failing to qualify for Europe the previous season, Arsenal currently languishes in 23rd place in the coefficient rankings.

Tough draw ahead for Arsenal in Champions League

As things stand, Arsenal’s potential opponents in the group stage could include football heavyweights like Barcelona, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Benfica, should the Gunners find themselves in pot three.

Furthermore, facing other pot two probable teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and RB Leipzig could make the path to the knockout stages an uphill climb for Arteta’s men.

Undoubtedly, Arsenal’s return to the Champions League is a significant milestone, a testament to the progress made under Arteta’s tenure.

However, the potential draw complications serve as a reminder of the challenges ahead and the reasons why Arsenal are expecting a massive summer in the transfer window.