Pep Guardiola has reportedly backed Arsenal to finally conquer Europe this season, with the legendary former Manchester City manager said to believe Mikel Arteta’s side have everything needed to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy.
The Spanish coach, who worked closely with Arteta during their hugely successful years together at Manchester City, is understood to be deeply impressed by the growth of this current Arsenal squad ahead of their huge Champions League final clash against Paris Saint-Germain later this month. The 2026 final is scheduled to take place in Budapest, with Arsenal aiming to win Europe’s biggest prize for the first time in club history.
According to reports circulating around European football, Guardiola believes Arsenal have developed into the most complete team in Europe this season. The former City boss has watched Arteta transform the Gunners from Premier League challengers into genuine continental heavyweights, with the North London club now combining defensive discipline, technical quality, and attacking maturity.
Guardiola has always spoken highly of Arteta since the pair worked together at Manchester City, where Arteta served as his assistant before taking over at Arsenal. Over the years, the relationship between the two Spaniards has remained strong, despite fierce title battles in England. Guardiola has repeatedly praised Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta and has described them as an “extraordinary team” capable of competing at the very highest level.
This season has been historic for Arsenal already. The club ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title after finishing ahead of Manchester City in a dramatic campaign. Arteta’s side showed consistency, resilience, and composure under pressure, qualities many believe are essential for success in Europe. Arsenal’s league triumph has only increased confidence among supporters that this could finally be the year they complete the ultimate dream by becoming champions of Europe.
Guardiola reportedly believes Arsenal’s mentality has changed completely compared to previous seasons. In earlier years, the Gunners were often criticised for lacking experience in decisive moments, especially in Europe. But this current squad appears mentally stronger and tactically smarter. Players like Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka have emerged as leaders during crucial matches throughout the campaign.
Rice, in particular, has earned enormous praise for his performances in midfield. The England international has added physicality and authority to Arsenal’s spine, while Saliba’s calm defending has made Arsenal one of the hardest teams to break down in Europe this season. Guardiola himself has previously admired Arsenal’s strength in duels, set-pieces, and defensive organisation.
Meanwhile, Ødegaard’s creativity and leadership have been central to Arsenal’s success. The Norwegian captain has guided the team brilliantly through difficult moments, while Saka continues to prove himself as one of the best young forwards in world football. Together, they have formed the core of a side many now see as genuine European champions in waiting.
The Champions League final against PSG is expected to be one of the biggest matches in Arsenal’s modern history. The French giants are defending champions after winning last season’s tournament in emphatic fashion, and they possess world-class stars capable of deciding games instantly.
However, Guardiola reportedly believes Arsenal’s balance could give them the edge. While PSG are known for explosive attacking football, Arsenal have shown they can control games both with and without possession. Arteta’s tactical flexibility has become one of the defining features of their season, with the Gunners capable of dominating possession or defending compactly depending on the situation.
Many Arsenal supporters will also take confidence from Arteta’s connection to Guardiola. The Arsenal manager learned under one of football’s greatest tactical minds and has gradually built a team that reflects several elements of Guardiola’s football philosophy — intelligent pressing, positional discipline, technical superiority, and patience in possession.
Still, Arteta has also created his own identity. This Arsenal side plays with intensity, aggression, and emotional energy that has captured fans across Europe. Their journey to the final has included several memorable performances, proving they can compete against elite opposition on the biggest stage.
For Guardiola, seeing Arteta potentially deliver Arsenal’s first-ever Champions League title could be a proud moment personally. The Manchester City legend has often spoken warmly about his former assistant and previously admitted he always believed Arteta would become one of Europe’s top coaches.
Arsenal now stand just one game away from immortality. After years of rebuilding, heartbreak, and near misses, the club has the opportunity to complete one of the greatest seasons in its history. Winning both the Premier League and Champions League in the same campaign would instantly place this team among the greatest sides Arsenal has ever produced.
The pressure will be enormous in Budapest, but belief around the club continues to grow. If Guardiola’s reported confidence in Arsenal proves correct, Mikel Arteta and his players could soon achieve the dream generations of Arsenal fans have waited decades to witness — finally lifting the Champions League trophy under the lights of European football’s grandest stage.