In the current format, which came into play last season, the top eight teams progress straight through to the last 16 and avoid a two-legged knockout play-off tie.
Still, Mikel Arteta’s side beat the Serie A leaders 3-1 at the San Siro to confirm a top-two finish, meaning they are assured of hosting the second legs in their knockout matches.
Arsenal required a minimum of one point from a dead-rubber game against debutants Kairat on Wednesday to seal top spot in the league phase and ended up winning 3-2.
Who will Arsenal face in Champions League last 16?
Arsenal’s progression straight through to the last 16 means they will not face fixture congestion in February.
The last-16 draw takes place on Friday, February 27. The first leg of those ties will be played on either March 10 or March 11, with the return fixtures a week later.
As a result of finishing first in the league phase, Arsenal will face the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the 15th and 16th, or 17th and 18th seeds.
Following a dramatic final night in the league phase, Arsenal’s potential opponents for the last 16 have been confirmed.