Arsenal are operating in a league of their own when it comes to European football. With two major finals still to come this season, the Gunners remain in a 'different universe' to heavyweights like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The gulf between them is stark - while Bayern have won the Champions League six times, Arsenal's best finish remains second place.
This isn't just about trophies, though. It's also about consistency at the highest level. While Arteta may believe his team can compete with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig in European competitions, they still have a long way to go before they match up against the likes of Bayern.
The contrast between Arsenal and their German rivals is perhaps most stark when it comes to Harry Kane's performances this season. The striker has already notched 27 goals for Bayern and looks almost unbeatable. But while he can effortlessly score against the best teams in Europe, the same can't be said for his teammates. For Arteta's side, it's a case of "if you talk about performances and consistency", but until they start winning European trophies, they'll remain an also-ran.
Kane himself seems to know that there's still a long way to go. When asked about the possibility of joining Barcelona this summer, he left the door slightly ajar, stating that there had been "no contact" with the club. However, his words were also laced with reassurance - he feels comfortable at Bayern and has enjoyed the move, which has helped him improve as a player.
In contrast to Kane's calm demeanor, Arteta is clear about where Arsenal stand in the European pecking order. While they have made significant strides under his management, winning all four Premier League matches so far this season, he knows that beating Bayern will be a huge step forward. Until then, they're still playing catch-up with the best teams in Europe.
This isn't just about trophies, though. It's also about consistency at the highest level. While Arteta may believe his team can compete with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig in European competitions, they still have a long way to go before they match up against the likes of Bayern.
The contrast between Arsenal and their German rivals is perhaps most stark when it comes to Harry Kane's performances this season. The striker has already notched 27 goals for Bayern and looks almost unbeatable. But while he can effortlessly score against the best teams in Europe, the same can't be said for his teammates. For Arteta's side, it's a case of "if you talk about performances and consistency", but until they start winning European trophies, they'll remain an also-ran.
Kane himself seems to know that there's still a long way to go. When asked about the possibility of joining Barcelona this summer, he left the door slightly ajar, stating that there had been "no contact" with the club. However, his words were also laced with reassurance - he feels comfortable at Bayern and has enjoyed the move, which has helped him improve as a player.
In contrast to Kane's calm demeanor, Arteta is clear about where Arsenal stand in the European pecking order. While they have made significant strides under his management, winning all four Premier League matches so far this season, he knows that beating Bayern will be a huge step forward. Until then, they're still playing catch-up with the best teams in Europe.