Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists Harry Kane “holds no fear” for his side as they prepare to host Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Both clubs sit atop the standings, each having won all four of their matches so far, but all eyes will once again be on the prolific former Spurs striker.
Kane, now 32, has been in remarkable form since joining Bayern in 2023, scoring 109 goals in 114 appearances. This season alone he has struck 24 times in just 18 games.
His record against Arsenal remains formidable too, with 15 goals in 21 meetings, and no opposition player has scored more often at the Emirates Stadium. His most recent visit saw him net a penalty in the 2024 quarter-finals, his sixth goal in 10 appearances at the ground.
Despite the daunting numbers, Arteta was bullish when asked whether he fears Kane’s return to north London, emphasising that Arsenal will be fully prepared for the challenge of keeping him quiet.
“I wouldn’t use that word,” he told a pre-match press conference, when asked if his side feared Kane. “I admire what he has done and what he continues to do.
“That level of consistency, especially, demanding to score goals at the level with his country, with any team he’s been involved with, is incredible, so big credit to him.”
Kane, meanwhile, admitted that facing Arsenal “feels different” since his move abroad but remains eager to secure another victory at the Emirates.
“With Tottenham, it was always one of the biggest games of the season against Arsenal,” Kane said.
“I have friends who are fans of both teams. It’s not quite the same with Bayern as we don’t always play against each other – we got an important win against them in the quarter-finals two years ago.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals here in this stadium – but haven’t won many games. I hope we can change that.”
