Rio Ferdinand lists four teams he believes would eliminate Arsenal from the Champions League and argues that Mikel Arteta’s squad has actually taken a step “backward” despite their 7-1 victory.

Rio Ferdinand has questioned Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League, arguing that Mikel Arteta’s team would struggle against at least four other sides.

Despite Arsenal’s emphatic 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven—a historic result that made them the first team to score seven goals in a Champions League away knockout match—Ferdinand remains skeptical. He believes Arsenal have actually regressed compared to last season and rank only as the fifth-strongest team in their half of the draw.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand listed Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain as teams ahead of Arsenal, insisting they have taken a step “backward.” He also criticized their recruitment, particularly the lack of a true striker.

“You can’t have a defensive midfielder like Mikel Merino playing up front when you’re trying to win the Premier League and Champions League,” he said. “They had a chance in January to sign a striker, but there weren’t many options available. I would have absolutely prioritized signing a center-forward.”

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher shared Ferdinand’s doubts, going even further in dismissing Arsenal’s title hopes.

“I think they’re miles off,” Fletcher said. “When you consider they’re only the fifth-best in their half of the draw, and then you look at Barcelona and Bayern Munich on the other side—it’s just not happening. I don’t even see them winning the Premier League, let alone the Champions League. They’ve gone backward.”

Arsenal face a tough road to the final, with potential matchups against reigning champions Real Madrid, Premier League leaders Liverpool, and French champions PSG. Meanwhile, the other half of the draw includes Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, La Liga leaders Barcelona, and last year’s runners-up, Inter Milan.