Chelsea’s boss is confident that any future meeting between the two clubs will dispel any ghosts that may still linger from the disappointment of last summers FA Cup Final. Arsenal’s past triumph does not deter the Italian from another encounter with the north London rivals.
"Why not?" he said. "Sooner or later we have to win against Arsenal. But I would like to meet them in the final.
"All I am looking for from the draw is a home match, like all the other managers."
Ranieri was clearly delighted with the controlled and assured manner in which way Chelsea disposed of a battling and hard working Stoke.
"I am very pleased we are showing good character. We are playing at the same level, no matter the standard of the opposition.
"We tried to build up some rhythm but it was very difficult. Stoke were well organised and defended well. They were dangerous from dead-ball situations.
"It was very important that we got the first goal as that gave us more space in which to work."
Following the game, Graeme Le Saux was quick to praise Chelsea’s continued resilience and solidity.
He told Sky Sports 2: "It was a tough match. We did our homework on Stoke and we worked very hard to make sure we coped with the effort they put in. They battled for 90 minutes, it was a good performance from us.
"Teams really put up a great fight in the FA Cup and that's the great thing about it, that's what the beauty of the cup is. We've shown our doubters how we play against smaller sides."
However unlike the boss, Graeme was less keen to confront those “little red gooners”.
He said: "If we could avoid Arsenal all the way, including the final that would be great." (article update from Steve).........NO SUCH LUCK!