Bayer Leverkusen's Simon Rolfes ‘would like to face’ Arsenal in last 16 | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen director of sport Simon Rolfes has expressed a preference to face Arsenal in the Champions League last 16, with his side set to meet either Bayern Munich or Arsenal.

“It would be great if we were drawn against Arsenal. Then we could finally say goodbye to Kai Havertz at our stadium, almost six years after his departure. I was recently in contact with Kai. He would also be happy to see us again.” He told Bild.

Leverkusen won 2-0 in the first leg last week, then drew 0-0 with Olympiacos on Tuesday to progress.

Havertz has not played for Leverkusen since 2020 and has yet to return to the BayArena.

Head coach Kasper Hjulmand also leaned towards Arsenal: “They are two of the best teams in Europe, they play at the same level. We want to play against the best. We’re looking forward to this big challenge. Four games in one month against Bayern? With Arsenal, there might be a bit of variety.”

If Leverkusen draw Bayern, the clubs could meet four times in quick succession. The first leg is on 10-11 March, Leverkusen then host Bayern in the Bundesliga on 14 March, the second leg falls on 17-18 March, and the DFB Pokal tie is on 21 April.

Source: Get German Football News