Former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has poured a little cold water on the growing narrative that Arsenal are currently the best team in Europe, insisting the Gunners still have plenty to prove at the highest level.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League encounter between Arsenal and Inter Milan, Akanji made it clear that while Mikel Arteta’s side deserve respect, crowning them kings of Europe is premature.

Arsenal arrive in Italy full of confidence. They sit top of the Premier League, seven points clear of Manchester City, and boast a flawless Champions League campaign so far — six wins from six, including eye-catching victories over Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. Even recent back-to-back league draws, where goals proved hard to come by, have not knocked them off their perch domestically.

But Akanji, now on loan at Inter Milan and a former key figure in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad, believes consistency over time — not just form — separates great teams from the very best.

“They’re one of the best teams in Europe, but not the best,” Akanji told reporters.
“I don’t think they’re better than Atletico Madrid or Liverpool.”

The Swiss defender’s perspective carries weight. He was part of the Manchester City side that narrowly denied Arsenal the Premier League title in two intense seasons, experience that perhaps explains his cautious assessment of Arteta’s men.

Still, Akanji acknowledged Arsenal’s growth, pointing to their squad depth and consistency as major strengths — even if his busy family life limits how much football he watches outside his job.

As for stopping Arsenal’s momentum, his message was simple but telling: mistakes will be punished. Against elite teams, small errors often decide big nights.

Opinion: Respect Earned, Crowns Not Yet Claimed

Akanji’s comments may frustrate Arsenal fans, but they are not entirely unfair. Arsenal are undoubtedly among Europe’s elite right now — organised, fearless, and tactically mature. Their Champions League record this season suggests a team that has finally shed its old European insecurities.

However, being “the best” in Europe usually requires more than a strong group-stage run. It demands deep Champions League progression, iconic knockout wins, and ultimately silverware. Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, teams Akanji referenced, have both walked that road and lifted major European trophies in recent years.

For Arsenal, this Inter Milan test is another opportunity — not just to win a match, but to silence lingering doubts. If they continue their European march and translate promise into trophies, labels will take care of themselves.

Until then, Akanji’s words serve as both a reality check and a challenge: Arsenal are close — but Europe’s throne is still up for grabs.