EXCLUSIVE: The Croatia international holds the Gunners in the highest esteem but he still believes that the Ligue 1 outfit are capable of springing a surprise
Monaco ace Danijel Subasic says Arsenal are the "big favourites" going into their Champions League last-16 tie - but sees no reason why the Ligue 1 side should fear their English opponents.
The principality outfit finished as runners-up in France last season but they then lost star duo Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez, to Manchester United and Real Madrid, respectively.
However, despite the departures of their two most prized performers, Monaco topped Champions League Group C to set up a clash with Arsenal, who finished second to Borussia Dortmund in Group D.
Subasic freely acknowledges, though, that Monaco are the underdogs going into Wednesday's first leg at the Emirates Stadium, primarily because of their lack of European experience in comparison to their hosts.
Still, Subasic says Monaco will savour the challenge of trying to spring a surprise in north London against their former coach.
"Arsenal are big favourites but you never know in these kind of matches," the goalkeeper told Goal.
"You give your best, even more, so let's see what will happen in the first leg.
"They are a big team with a great coach and a lot of tradition, so everything is in favour of Arsenal, but we have nothing to fear."
Indeed, while Monaco have failed to mount a Ligue 1 title challenge this season, Subasic still thinks that coach Leonardo Jardim is doing a fantastic job given the youthful nature of their squad.
"Fourth place in Ligue 1 is an extraordinary result," the Croatia international argued. "It is above all expectations considering the young team that we have and the strength of the league.
"Of course, we will try to grab a place in the Champions League again but reaching the Europa league would also be a success.
"Seven of our starting 11 players are 22 or younger, we don't have stars like Falcao and James anymore, so we don't score much, yet we are still doing well."
Subasic has played a key role in Monaco's defensive excellence this season, having been beaten just once during the Champions League group stage, and conceding just a solitary goal in his last 10 Ligue 1 outings.
His fine form has attracted the interest of rival clubs but he insists that he has no desire to ever leave the Stade Louis II.
"Some options for me are appearing but as I've said before, I would like to stay in Monaco until the end of my career," he added.