Arsenal set to discover final Champions League group stage opponents as draw date revealed

The seven-year wait for Arsenal to be involved in a UEFA Champions League group stage draw is almost over.

For six consecutive seasons, the Gunners missed out on qualifying for Europe's premier competition, but after finishing runners-up to Manchester City in the most recent Premier League campaign, Mikel Arteta has succeded in ensuring that famous anthem will soon ring around the Emirates Stadium.

But who will the north London outfit be grouped with? Well, that question will be answered from 5pm on Thursday, August 31 — one day before the summer transfer window slams shut — as that's when the draw for the group phase takes place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Of course, as per UEFA rules, clubs cannot be drawn against teams from the same association. This means, for example, Arsenal will avoid being paired with their Premier League rivals so they can't face holders Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United in the group stage.

Furthermore, the Gunners will not be drawn against 14-time winners in Real Madrid, last season's beaten finalists Internazionale, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig or Porto due to their place in Pot 2.

Although, there is a strong chance Arteta's side will come up against one of Europe's big guns with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich — all champions of their respective domestic leagues last season — the standout teams from Pot 1 along with Europa League specialists Sevilla.

Arsenal's best and worst-case Champions League draw scenarios as group stage pots confirmed

With the first two pots already set in stone, it's all about who could be Arsenal's opponents from Pots 3 and 4. As things currently stand, they can face one of Shakhtar Donetsk, Red Bull Salzburg, AC