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Ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has revealed why Arsenal will be unable to lift the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League trophy.
The Gunners, who were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-final stage last season, are considered one of the favorites in the continental competition this campaign. They have grown in stature after finishing second two successive times in the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Metro, Hargreaves was asked to offer his honest thoughts on Arsenal's chances of lifting their maiden Champions League crown. He replied:
"I don't know if it's naivety but I think they're pretty inexperienced at that level. I can't think of many who had been there before last season – Jorginho was probably one of the few guys, Gabriel Jesus but he was a squad player at City – so I think it takes time."
Opening up on why the Gunners could fail this season, he continued:
"You saw that in those Bayern Munich games [2-2 home draw and 1-0 away loss in the last-eight stage last season], and Bayern were struggling at that point but were probably worthy winners over the two legs. So, I think it takes a bit of time."
Hargreaves, who is a two-time Champions League winner, concluded:
"We've seen it's hard [to win the Champions League]... look at Paris Saint-Germain who have invested billions and haven't been able to win. I do think that Arsenal are going up... they'll win trophies. But the competition [in Champions League] gets fiercer every year and that lack of depth could cost them."
The Gunners, who recently registered a 1-0 league win at Tottenham Hotspur, are set to open their Champions League campaign on Thursday (September 19). They will visit UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta.
Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal star after 1-0 win
Earlier on Sunday, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes rose highest to head in the winner in the 64th minute against Tottenham Hotspur.
After the end of the north London derby, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta showered huge praise on the Brazilian. He said (h/t football.london):
"The way he has evolved, first as a person and then in his role in the club, has been phenomenal. It has been great to watch. This is why we are here, this is one of my passions to give players the environment, the support and coaching to grow, to prepare them for life and to get to levels they probably didn't think [they could reach] before."
Magalhaes, 26, completed 20 of 25 passes, won two of three duels, and made two blocks and eight clearances in the Gunners' recent clash.
