Bayer Leverkusen are targeting a Champions League last-16 encounter with Arsenal, according to sporting director Simon Rolfes. The Gunners will meet either the Bundesliga titans or Atalanta, with the draw taking place on Friday.

Leverkusen saw off Olympiacos across two legs, winning 2-0 on aggregate following a goalless stalemate at home in the second leg of the play-off round. Patrik Schick's double secured their advantage in Greece. Atalanta, by contrast, produced a remarkable triumph over Borussia Dortmund in a match featuring two dismissals, with the Italian outfit winning 4-1 to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Rolfes is already aware his team's prize for progression is a challenging tie against either Arsenal or Bayern Munich. Die Werkself are keen to test themselves against elite opposition, though the sporting director would welcome some variety in his side's fixture list.

The 44-year-old is not keen on facing Bayern four times in a single month. However, a return for Kai Havertz, who departed Leverkusen for Chelsea in 2020 before ultimately moving to Arsenal, would mark a special occasion.

Rolfes told BILD: "They are two of the best teams in Europe, they play at the same level. That's great. We want to play against the best. We're looking forward to this big challenge.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

"Four games in one month against Bayern? With Arsenal, there might be a bit of variety. 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 [for Chelsea].

"I was recently in contact with Kai. He would also be happy to see us again. He was keeping his fingers crossed for us to advance."

Arsenal last met Leverkusen in the Champions League in 2001/02. The Gunners secured a 4-1 triumph at Highbury with Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp all finding the net in the group stage encounter. The previous fixture in Germany saw Arsenal robbed of victory by a 90th-minute leveller as Ray Parlour was sent off.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.