Mathieu Flamini: 'Arsenal ready for Europe's elite'

Mathieu Flamini believes that Arsenal are prepared to battle "the big teams" in the Champions League this season ahead of facing Bayern Munich tomorrow.

The Frenchman was a prominent figure in the Gunners side that beat Real Madrid and Juventus en route to the final of the competition in 2006.

"At this level there are only big teams left," he told UEFA.com.

"I remember when I was playing for Arsenal before and we reached the Champions League final against Barcelona [in 2006], we also faced big teams like [Real] Madrid and Juventus. If you want to win it, you must face all the big teams."

Wednesday's first-leg last-16 encounter with the reigning champions is scheduled to kick off at 7.45pm at the Emirates Stadium.