Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal are not intimidated by Harry Kane and that his players will be ready to silence him when Bayern Munich visit the Emirates on Wednesday. Arteta praised Kane’s career and consistency but rejected the idea of fearing the striker.
Kane has been prolific since leaving Tottenham, scoring 109 goals in 114 appearances for Bayern, including 24 in 18 matches this season. He also has an impressive personal record against Arsenal: 15 goals in 21 meetings, with the penalty he converted in the 2024 Champions League quarter-final marking his sixth goal at the Emirates — more than any other visiting player.
Asked if he feared Kane, Arteta said he would not use that word. He said he admired what Kane has achieved and the remarkable consistency he has shown for club and country, giving the striker huge credit.
Wednesday’s game brings together the two group leaders — both Arsenal and Bayern have won all four of their Champions League matches so far — and Kane acknowledged the fixture feels different now he plays for Bayern. He said the match with Spurs had always been one of the biggest of the season, that he has friends who support both clubs, and that fixtures aren’t as frequent for Bayern and Arsenal. He recalled the important win in the quarter-finals two years ago, and noted that although he has scored many times at the Emirates he hasn’t won often there, expressing hope they can change that this time.
Kane also praised Arsenal’s development, saying they have become more solid and experienced, particularly defensively and on set pieces. He stressed Bayern’s preparation, saying the best approach is to limit Arsenal’s set-piece opportunities, control the game, and defend better than they have recently when conceding dead-ball situations.
Defender Jurrien Timber conceded that stopping Bayern and Kane will be difficult but emphasised Arsenal’s collective responsibility. He pointed to Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick against Spurs as an example of the team’s all-round work: Eze not only scored but contributed defensively, showing how the whole squad must step up.
On Kane, Timber added that he is an exceptional striker with many qualities who has performed at the top level for a long time, and that it will be a rewarding challenge for Arsenal’s defenders.
Team news: Arsenal hope Martin Ødegaard will be available after a knee injury suffered against Bayern. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are pushing for starts after being on the bench against Spurs. Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz are not expected to be fit for the midweek match but could be in contention for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea.