Arsenal taunted by Arjen Robben as Bayern Munich winger says last-16 clash is Gunners' Champions League final

Arjen Robben has wasted little time in laying down the gauntlet to Arsenal after they were paired against Bayern Munich in the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons.

Arsenal have twice been knocked out of Europe by the Bavarian side, with both the 2012/13 and 2013/14 eliminations coming in the last-16 phase, while they were also grouped together during last season’s competition where both progressed to the knockout stages.

The Premier League side were hopeful of an easier last-16 draw this time around after topping their group, but with both Bayern and Real Madrid finishing runners-up this season, the possibility of a tricky last-16 tie remained and the Gunners’ worst fears were realised during Monday’s draw.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was keen to stress that his side have nothing to fear this time around, but former Chelsea and Real winger Rooben has fired an early jibe at Arsenal over how their European aspirations match up.

Speaking to ESPN, Robben said: “For them, the pressure is to make it to the quarter-final for the first time in many years. Our target is always the final. But this draw doesn't make it easy [for either team.]”

Bayern have always emerged on top in their recent battles with Arsenal, despite the Gunners picking up victories in 2013 and last season. Arsenal were left to try and overturn first-leg deficits in their two last-16 clashes that proved a mountain too big to climb, while last season they were trounced 5-1 at the Allianz Arena despite beating Bayern 2-0 at the Emirates in what was a morale-boosting victory.

Robben believes though that Arsenal’s improved form this season could mean that the reigning German champions are in for their toughest battle yet, especially with Carlo Ancelotti’s side not quite the dominant force that they have appeared to be over the last few years.

“We've played them a few times over the last few years and always won,” Robben added. “We always got through to the next round - but maybe this one will be the toughest one so far

“We have happy memories [from past meetings] but happy memories don't take you to the next round. They are a very strong team. Even stronger than last year. They're doing very well in the Premier League.”

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The 32-year-old faces a somewhat uncertain future with Bayern beyond the end of the season, when his current contract is up for renewal. The Netherlands international has been hit by injury in 2016, but while he admitted he does not know if he’ll be staying at the Allianz Arena, he is open to negotiations with the German giants.

“I don't know how we close we are [to a renewal],” he said. “There's nothing new at the moment. I'm always open about that, if there was something new, I'd tell you.

“The most important thing for me is to enjoy my football again and be physically in good shape. The rest takes care of itself.'”