Mikel Arteta has issued a bold statement ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, insisting Arsenal are ready to dethrone defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in what promises to be a historic showdown in Budapest.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Puskás Aréna in Hungary on May 29, 2026, Arteta made his intentions clear:
“They are the champions, and we are here to take that away from them.”
The Arsenal manager emphasized belief and ambition as his side prepares for their second-ever Champions League final appearance, more than two decades after their first in 2006.
Arsenal enter the final on the back of a strong season, having recently secured the Premier League title — their first in 22 years — and now stand one victory away from a rare domestic and European double.
PSG, the reigning European champions under Luis Enrique, are widely regarded as favourites due to their experience and squad depth. However, Arteta insisted Arsenal have earned their place on merit after a strong continental campaign.
The final, set for May 30, 2026, at 17:00 BST, is expected to draw global attention as both sides battle for European supremacy.
