Philipp Lahm: Arsenal are "much stronger" than last season

Philipp Lahm has warned his Bayern Munich teammates to expect a "much stronger" Arsenal ahead of meeting the Gunners in the last-16 stage of the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Bavarian giants beat Arsene Wenger's men on away goals en route to winning the European title last season, clinching the first-leg 3-1 in London before going down 2-0 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

He told The Observer: "I follow Arsenal a bit more this year and they've left a good impression. They're fighting for the championship. That's not a coincidence: I believe they have developed as a team.

"They've become much stronger, the squad is more balanced, and they still play the way Arsenal always play. They want to have the ball, they like playing it short, and they have outstanding individuals."

Pep Guardiola's travel to the Emirates Stadium this week before welcoming the Gunners to Munich on March 11 for the return leg.