Vincent Kompany has backed Arsenal FC to go all the way and win the UEFA Champions League this season, praising the North London club for the impressive progress they have made under manager Mikel Arteta.
The former Manchester City captain believes Arsenal have developed into one of the most complete teams in Europe, with the tactical discipline, squad depth and confidence required to challenge the continent’s elite clubs. According to Kompany, Arsenal’s transformation over the last few seasons has been remarkable and the team now looks capable of competing with the biggest sides in European football.
Kompany explained that Arsenal’s balance across the pitch makes them a genuine threat in the competition. Defensively, the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has been one of the strongest centre-back pairings in Europe, while goalkeeper David Raya has brought calmness and reliability between the posts. Their defensive organization has allowed Arsenal to remain solid even against top attacking teams.
In midfield, Kompany highlighted the importance of Declan Rice, who has quickly become one of the most influential players in Arteta’s system. The England international’s ability to control the tempo of games, break up opposition attacks and drive the team forward has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield. Alongside creative players like Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal have found the perfect blend of defensive stability and attacking creativity.
Kompany also pointed to Arsenal’s dangerous attacking options as another reason why they could lift the Champions League trophy. Wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli provide pace, flair and goals from wide areas, while the team’s fluid attacking system often overwhelms opponents. Arsenal’s ability to score in different ways — whether through quick counterattacks, patient build-up play, or set pieces — has made them difficult to stop.
Speaking about Arsenal’s mentality, Kompany suggested that the team now plays with a confidence that reflects the manager’s philosophy. Arteta has built a squad that not only possesses quality but also understands how to perform under pressure. That mentality, Kompany believes, is crucial in a competition like the Champions League where small moments often decide matches.
The former Belgium international also praised Arteta’s tactical intelligence. Having previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta has adopted many elements of Guardiola’s philosophy while adding his own ideas. The result has been a dynamic Arsenal side that can dominate possession, press aggressively and adapt tactically depending on the opponent.
Kompany noted that while traditional European giants such as Real Madrid CF, FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint‑Germain FC will always be strong contenders, Arsenal currently possess the form and momentum that can carry them deep into the tournament. He believes the club’s hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage could be a decisive factor.
Arsenal supporters have been dreaming of Champions League glory for many years. The club famously came close in the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final but fell short against Barcelona. Since then, the competition has often been a difficult challenge for the North London side, but recent progress suggests they may now be ready to take the final step.
Kompany believes that if Arsenal maintain their current level of performance and avoid major injuries, they have a genuine opportunity to make history. He emphasized that winning the Champions League requires not only quality but also belief, and Arsenal now appear to have both.
As the knockout stages approach, excitement continues to grow around Arteta’s team. With a talented squad, strong leadership and the backing of respected figures like Vincent Kompany, Arsenal’s hopes of conquering Europe this season feel more realistic than they have in many years.