Milan draw excites Wenger

Friday's draw saw the Gunners paired with the reigning Serie A champions in the first knockout stage.

The two clubs need no introduction to one another, with Arsenal having sent the Italian giants packing at the same stage of the competition in 2008.

Everyone at the Emirates is eyeing a repeat this time around, and Wenger hopes the momentum his side have established over recent weeks will carry them over another European hurdle.

"It is a difficult draw, but an exciting one, and they could say exactly the same thing I suppose. It is a 50-50," Wenger told the club's official website.

"Ideally, it is a draw for one round later, but you take them when they happen.

Belief

"Everybody knows Milan, everybody knows Arsenal. We have been in the Champions League for many years and both sides play positive football."

Wenger added: "Let's make sure we continue to improve until February. Then we can take our chance with full power and belief.

"We have been up to the task every time in this competition so let's make sure we are again."

Milan were knocked out of last season's competition at the last-16 stage by Arsenal's North London neighbours Tottenham, so are fully aware of the size of the challenge posed by a Premier League heavyweight.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We know Arsenal, it's a team that plays well.

"We will have to arrive in February in the best possible condition and without injuries."