Fabio Capello says Arsenal could be surprise side in Champions League due to Petr Cech signing

Former England manager Fabio Capello believes Arsenal can be one of the surprises of the Champions League this season as the summer signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea has boosted the confidence of the whole side.

The Italian boss, who according to The Sun is one of the main candidates to replace Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho if the Portuguese boss is sacked, believes the Gunners are one of the strongest team in Europe alongside Manchester City, Bayern Munich and the three La Liga giants, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Capello won the Champions League in the 1993-94 season during his successful spell at AC Milan. And the former Real Madrid boss believes that despite Arsenal starting the tournament with defeats against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos, the north London side are one the strongest candidates following their impressive 2-0 win against Bayern Munich.

"Look out [for] Arsenal! Because they have finally found a goalkeeper. After many years without a [top] keeper they have found in Cech a keeper who gives confidence to the rest of the team," Capello said to Cadena Cope when asked about the current strongest sides in Europe.

"The Spaniards are absolutely there. Manchester City too, but they lack a striker. When Kun [Sergio Aguero] is out they miss him too much but it is a side that have everything to be competitive. Let's see Bayern because they are also very competitive."

Meanwhile, the prestigious Italian manager has backed Chelsea to overcome their current crisis situation, claiming that despite their poor start to the season, they still can revive their campaign and could even fight for the Champions League title.