Mikel Arteta has warned his Arsenal side must reach a new level to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final, insisting the Premier League title triumph has only intensified their hunger for more silverware. The Gunners ended a 22-year wait for the league crown this season but face a formidable PSG side who defeated them in last year's semi-finals before winning the competition for the first time.
Arteta confirmed that defender Jurriën Timber is likely to start after recovering from a groin injury, though he has not played since March 14. Arsenal have never won the Champions League, reaching the final only once before, in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona. The manager is determined to seize the opportunity on the biggest stage.
“The ambition is bigger,” Arteta said. “We have one, and now we want the second one. That’s all we’ve been talking about. There has to be a platform to reach bigger destinations and to aim for more. The team is capable, because we’ve shown it in the last two seasons in this competition.”
Bukayo Saka revealed that club legend Thierry Henry, part of the 2006 final defeat, had offered encouragement this week. The England forward said winning the Premier League after three consecutive second-place finishes has given the squad immense confidence. “It feels like this last week it’s all become a reality,” Saka said. “Tomorrow is another exciting opportunity to create more history.”
Saturday's match will be Arsenal's 63rd of the season, more than any other team from Europe's top five leagues, compared to PSG's 56. However, Saka dismissed fatigue concerns, insisting the game will be decided by quality and organisation. Arteta added: “We have the opportunity to write a new chapter. We have to play with clarity, courage, and a relentless desire to win.”
