Rayan Cherki has added more fuel to the growing debate ahead of this season’s UEFA Champions League final after admitting he believes Paris Saint-Germain are currently the favourites to lift the trophy ahead of Arsenal.
The French attacking star praised PSG’s experience, squad depth and attacking quality, insisting Luis Enrique’s side look “more complete” than any other team remaining in the competition.
Speaking during a recent interview ahead of the final weeks of the European season, Cherki explained that Arsenal have been incredible under Mikel Arteta, but he still feels PSG possess the edge needed to win football’s biggest club competition. The Manchester City midfielder highlighted the form of players like Ousmane Dembele, Désiré Doué and Achraf Hakimi as key reasons behind his prediction. Rayan Cherki believes PSG’s balance between experience and youthful energy could prove decisive on the biggest stage.
Cherki said Arsenal deserve enormous respect for reaching the final after eliminating Atletico Madrid in impressive fashion, but he feels PSG have evolved into a much stronger and more disciplined side under Luis Enrique. Arsenal reached their first Champions League final in two decades after Bukayo Saka’s winner against Atletico Madrid secured qualification for the Gunners. Arsenal F.C. have been widely praised for their defensive organisation and maturity throughout the tournament.
However, Cherki pointed to PSG’s recent European pedigree as a major advantage. The French champions are heading into another Champions League final after overcoming Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, with many analysts praising their attacking fluidity and tactical flexibility. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. have looked dominant in several knockout matches this season and remain the defending European champions.
According to Cherki, PSG’s attacking players are capable of deciding games in moments. He singled out Dembele’s consistency and the rise of young sensation Désiré Doué, who has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Europe. Doué has already delivered several huge performances in the competition and continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. Désiré Doué has become a crucial figure in PSG’s run to the final.
Cherki also praised Luis Enrique for transforming PSG into a more collective and organised team following the departures of several superstar names in recent years. Instead of depending on individuals, the Spanish coach has built a side capable of controlling matches both defensively and offensively. Many football experts believe this version of PSG looks stronger mentally than previous teams that failed to conquer Europe. Luis Enrique has received widespread praise for PSG’s evolution this season.
Despite backing PSG, Cherki admitted Arsenal have every chance of causing problems in the final. He praised Mikel Arteta’s tactical work and credited players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice for transforming Arsenal into one of Europe’s elite teams again. Arsenal’s pressing intensity, defensive structure and confidence in possession have made them one of the toughest sides to face this season. Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal back to the top level of European football after years away from the Champions League elite.
The comments from Cherki have already sparked huge reactions online, with Arsenal supporters disagreeing strongly with his prediction while PSG fans welcomed his praise. Many neutral fans believe the final could be one of the most exciting Champions League finals in recent years because of the contrasting styles of both teams. Arsenal’s disciplined defensive football will come against PSG’s explosive attack in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.
Football analysts remain divided over who will eventually lift the trophy in Budapest. Some believe Arsenal’s defensive stability gives them the advantage, while others think PSG’s experience and attacking firepower could prove too much over ninety minutes. Either way, anticipation continues to grow ahead of the showdown between two of Europe’s best-performing clubs this season.
For Cherki though, the answer is clear. The French star believes PSG are entering the final with greater momentum, more attacking quality and the confidence of a team that already knows how to win the Champions League. Whether his prediction proves correct or not, fans around the world are now counting down to what could become one of the defining European finals of the modern era.