Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has backed the Gunners to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in today’s UEFA Champions League final, expressing confidence that Mikel Arteta’s side can finally bring European football’s biggest prize to North London.
Wenger, who guided Arsenal to their only previous Champions League final appearance in 2006, believes the current squad possesses the quality, mentality, and balance required to defeat the reigning French champions on the grandest stage. The legendary Frenchman has followed Arsenal’s remarkable progress throughout the season and feels the team is ready to write a new chapter in the club’s history.
Speaking ahead of the final in Budapest, Wenger described the contest as an extremely close encounter but admitted that his heart and belief are firmly with Arsenal. The former manager stated that if he had to choose a winner, he would back Arsenal to edge PSG and finally lift the trophy that has eluded the club throughout its history.
For Wenger, the occasion carries significant emotional importance. Twenty years ago, he led Arsenal to the Champions League final against Barcelona, only to suffer heartbreak in Paris despite a courageous performance from his side. That defeat remains one of the most painful moments of his managerial career, and he has often spoken about how much it would mean to see Arsenal eventually conquer Europe.
The Frenchman believes this current Arsenal squad is built differently from many of the teams that came before it. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have developed into one of Europe’s most complete teams. Their defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking creativity have made them a formidable force throughout the season.
Wenger has been particularly impressed with Arsenal’s defensive structure. The partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has provided a strong foundation, while goalkeeper David Raya has delivered crucial performances in key matches. Arsenal’s defensive record throughout the Champions League campaign has been among the best in the competition, highlighting the discipline and organization that Arteta has instilled in the squad.
In midfield, Wenger believes Arsenal possess the physicality and technical quality needed to compete with PSG. The influence of Declan Rice has been immense since his arrival, with the England international becoming one of the leaders of the team. His ability to break up attacks, carry the ball forward, and dominate midfield battles could prove decisive against PSG’s talented engine room.
Further forward, Arsenal’s attacking stars have continued to deliver throughout the campaign. Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of Europe’s elite wingers, while players such as Kai Havertz and other attacking options have given Arteta flexibility and unpredictability in the final third. Wenger believes Arsenal’s attack has matured significantly and can exploit any weaknesses in the PSG defence.
Despite his confidence in Arsenal, Wenger acknowledged the enormous challenge awaiting them. PSG enter the final as defending champions and possess world-class talent throughout their squad. The French side has navigated a difficult path to the final and boasts attacking stars capable of deciding matches in an instant. Players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé have been instrumental in PSG’s run to the final and represent a major threat to Arsenal’s ambitions.
However, Wenger feels Arsenal’s collective strength could ultimately make the difference. He has often emphasized the importance of teamwork and organization in knockout football, and he believes Arteta’s side has developed a winning mentality capable of handling the pressure of such an occasion. The former manager has praised the culture that has been built at the club over recent years and sees similarities between this squad and some of the strongest Arsenal teams of the past.
The possibility of delivering Arsenal’s first-ever Champions League title has generated huge excitement among supporters around the world. For many fans, a victory today would represent the culmination of a journey that began when Arteta took over the club and embarked on a major rebuilding project. It would also provide redemption for the heartbreak of 2006 and cement this generation of players as club legends.
Wenger’s support for Arsenal reflects the optimism that currently surrounds the club. Having already enjoyed domestic success this season, the Gunners now stand on the brink of achieving something truly historic. The legendary former manager believes the moment has arrived for Arsenal to complete their rise and finally conquer Europe.
As kick-off approaches in Budapest, anticipation continues to grow among football fans across the globe. Arsenal know they face one of the toughest tests in modern football, but Wenger’s belief in the team will undoubtedly inspire supporters dreaming of a famous victory.
If Wenger’s prediction proves correct, tonight could become one of the greatest evenings in Arsenal’s history, as Arteta’s men seek to lift the Champions League trophy for the very first time and fulfil a dream generations of Gunners supporters have waited decades to see become reality.