They Cannot Blow It” – Joe Cole Makes Bold Arsenal Champions League Prediction

Joe Cole says Arsenal have perfect Champions League draw and urges fans to book tickets for Budapest final.

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole has boldly tipped Arsenal to win the UEFA Champions League this season, insisting the knockout draw has fallen perfectly for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole claimed the competition has “opened up” for the Gunners and even encouraged supporters to start planning their trip to the final in Budapest.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Cole believes the balance of the bracket heavily favours Arsenal.

“Every team that has won it for the last ten years is on one side — Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid — so it has opened up for Arsenal,” he said.

With many of Europe’s traditional heavyweights stacked on the opposite side, Arsenal find themselves in a comparatively manageable half of the draw — something Cole feels they must take full advantage of.

Arsenal have been one of the standout teams in this season’s competition.

They stormed through the league phase with eight wins from eight matches, scoring 23 goals and conceding just four. That flawless run saw them finish top of the table ahead of Bayern Munich and secure a favourable route in the knockout rounds.

In the round of 16, Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen. A potential quarter-final could see them meet either Bodø/Glimt or Sporting CP.

Their side of the bracket also includes Newcastle, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Tottenham — strong opponents, but notably lacking the cluster of recent Champions League winners gathered on the other side.

Cole Predicts Arsenal vs Man City Final

Cole is convinced Arsenal will reach the final and even predicted a blockbuster all-Premier League showdown.

“I think, personally, it’s going to be an Arsenal versus Manchester City final. I think it will be an epic. My only bet would be Arsenal going to the final,” he said.

Turning directly to supporters, he added: “Arsenal fans, book your tickets for Budapest, in my opinion. Someone has rolled it across the goal for Arsenal. They cannot blow it… or can they?”

The 2026 Champions League final will be played on May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary — and Cole believes Arsenal are destined to be there.

He was less convinced by other contenders, dismissing Barcelona’s chances due to their high defensive line and questioning whether they can navigate the latter stages against elite opposition.

A Chance to Make History

Arsenal have never won the Champions League. Their closest attempt came in 2006, when they were beaten by Barcelona in the final.

Under Arteta, however, the club has developed into one of Europe’s most complete sides. They currently sit top of the Premier League and have combined defensive solidity with attacking fluidity throughout the European campaign.

With multiple English clubs still in contention, the possibility of another Premier League winner remains strong. But according to Cole, this is Arsenal’s moment.

The draw has offered them a golden opportunity. Now, it is up to Arteta’s squad to seize it.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.