Moises Caicedo has surprisingly thrown his support behind Arsenal ahead of this season’s UEFA Champions League final, with the Chelsea midfielder admitting he believes Mikel Arteta’s side have what it takes to defeat Paris Saint-Germain and finally conquer Europe.
The Ecuadorian star praised Arsenal’s growth under Arteta and described the North London club as “one of the most complete teams in world football right now.”
Speaking during an interview while preparing for international duty, Caicedo explained that although PSG possess world-class talent and experience, Arsenal’s consistency throughout the campaign has convinced him they are favourites to win the final. The midfielder highlighted Arsenal’s midfield strength, defensive organisation and attacking intensity as the main reasons behind his prediction.
Caicedo said Arsenal’s performances against Europe’s top sides this season have shown they are ready for the biggest stage. The former Brighton midfielder was particularly impressed by the way Arsenal eliminated Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, describing their display as “mature, fearless and disciplined.” Arsenal F.C. secured their place in the Champions League final after a dramatic victory over Atletico Madrid, with Bukayo Saka once again delivering a decisive moment for the Gunners. (“reuters.com” (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/saka-sends-arsenal-past-atletico-into-champions-league-final-2026-05-05/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
According to Caicedo, Arsenal now look like a team capable of handling pressure in the same way Manchester City and Real Madrid have done in recent years. He praised Mikel Arteta for transforming Arsenal from a rebuilding project into genuine European contenders within a few seasons. Mikel Arteta has earned praise across Europe for building one of the strongest young squads in football. (“apnews.com” (https://apnews.com/article/052bec201214e80c6a3c0b22f4d80227?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Caicedo also singled out Declan Rice as one of the key players who could decide the final against PSG. He described Rice as “a complete midfielder” capable of dominating both defensively and offensively. The Chelsea midfielder admitted he enjoys watching Rice play because of his leadership, physicality and intelligence in big matches. Declan Rice has become one of Arsenal’s most influential players since arriving from West Ham United. (“en.wikipedia.org” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declan_Rice?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The Ecuador international also praised Bukayo Saka, insisting the Arsenal winger has developed into one of the best attacking players in Europe. Caicedo believes Saka’s creativity and composure in crucial moments could become the difference against PSG’s defence. Bukayo Saka has delivered several important goals and assists during Arsenal’s Champions League campaign this season. (“en.wikipedia.org” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukayo_Saka?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
While backing Arsenal, Caicedo acknowledged the enormous threat PSG carry going forward. He praised the French champions for their attacking depth and admitted players like Ousmane Dembele and Désiré Doué are capable of changing games instantly. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. have once again established themselves among Europe’s elite after another dominant campaign under Luis Enrique. (“theguardian.com” (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/07/champions-league-review-arsenal-psg-bayern-munich-atletico-madrid?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
However, Caicedo insisted Arsenal’s balance across the pitch gives them the edge. He pointed to the partnership between Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, combined with Arsenal’s disciplined back line, as something that could frustrate PSG’s attacking stars. He also praised Arsenal’s mentality, saying the team now looks “hungry and fearless” in major European matches.
The comments from Caicedo have quickly gone viral among football fans, especially considering his connection to Chelsea, one of Arsenal’s biggest domestic rivals. Many Arsenal supporters welcomed the praise from the Ecuadorian midfielder, while some PSG fans dismissed his prediction and argued that the French champions have more experience in finals.
Football analysts remain divided ahead of what promises to be one of the most exciting Champions League finals in recent years. Arsenal are chasing their first-ever Champions League title, while PSG are aiming to continue their dominance in European football after finally ending years of disappointment in the competition.
For Caicedo though, Arsenal appear ready to complete their remarkable journey. The Chelsea midfielder believes Arteta’s side have developed the perfect mix of quality, confidence and tactical discipline needed to defeat PSG on the biggest stage in European club football. If Arsenal succeed, it would mark one of the greatest achievements in the club’s modern history and firmly establish them among Europe’s elite once again.