'Nothing to fear' - Manchester United legend tips Arsenal for Champions League success

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has given a glowing endorsement to Arsenal's chances in the Champions League this season - he believes that the Gunners have what it takes to reach the semi-finals or even the final.

He cited some of Arsenal's best players, such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli to justify his opinion. He lauded their creativity, as well as their ability to find the back of the net.

Ferdinand does think, however, that there are two teams that could derail the Gunners' hopes of picking up their first ever Champions League trophy. They are Manchester City and Real Madrid - even though Arsenal defeated City by a score of 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season.

City are, of course, the reigning champions in Europe's top competition. Meanwhile, Los Blancos have won the Champions League more times than any other club - the Gunners would do well to avoid the pair of them before the latter stages of the tournament take place. Arsenal will play against Porto in the last 16 of this season's Champions League - the first leg, taking place at the Estádio do Dragão, will take place on Wednesday evening with a kick-off time of 8pm GMT.

What did Rio Ferdinand say about Arsenal's chances in the Champions League?

Speaking to TNT Sports, 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. [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."