Real Madrid Share Thrilling Stalemate, but Mikel Arteta and Arsenal Keep Their Eyes on Chelsea

Arsenal are eagerly anticipating their upcoming clash with reigning champions Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals next month. However, manager Mikel Arteta has emphasised that they will not lose sight of their Premier League responsibilities as they turn their attention towards Chelsea, stating this on Friday.

The Gunners secured their spot in the quarter-finals with an emphatic 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven and will face the 15-time champions Real Madrid. This will be only their second meeting in the competition, having previously eliminated the Spanish giants in the Round of 16 during their run to the final in 2006.

“It’s a fascinating draw; we’re up against the club with the most significant history in the tournament,” Arteta said while addressing reporters.

“We’re very excited to face them, but we have some crucial Premier League matches to tackle first.”

Arsenal are currently enduring a three-match winless streak, leaving them 15 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the title race. The north London team is now glancing over their shoulders as Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, their opponents on Sunday, are closing in.

Chelsea sit in fourth place, six points behind Arsenal ahead of the London derby at the Emirates Stadium, where the west London club suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat last season. Arteta noted that Chelsea’s squad has undergone significant changes under Enzo Maresca since that match.

The two teams played to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

“Both sides aim to dominate with their playing style, pressing aggressively and ensuring we have control of the ball,” Arteta commented.

“There’s a wealth of individual talent on the pitch, so it’s essential to impose our game plan and limit their strengths—that will be key.”

Arteta also expressed his pride in 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who received his first call-up to the England squad. The young talent is becoming an essential part of the club’s English core, which Arteta believes is crucial for their continued success.

“It’s important culturally, reflecting our history as an English club. Having that DNA and many academy players is very encouraging. I’m extremely proud,” Arteta remarked.

Arsenal are still without a recognised striker due to season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. However, Arteta received a boost with the return of Gabriel Martinelli, who has been sidelined for a month, while Bukayo Saka is also nearing full fitness.

“We have more options at our disposal, but we need to manage their workload. Martinelli is slightly ahead of schedule, and we want to be cautious and avoid overloading him with minutes,” Arteta explained.

“Saka is progressing well and getting closer to a return. We’ll see how he reacts in training and assess how quickly he can regain his fitness.”