Champions League final preview
This is it. Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest, the biggest match in the club's modern history (1) (4). You've won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, and now a European crown is within reach. Mikel Arteta has transformed the soul of this club, and Saturday is the chance to cement that legacy (1).
Havertz: 'I want that feeling again'
Kai Havertz knows exactly what it takes. He scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final for Chelsea against Manchester City, and he's not hiding his hunger. "It is something I will never forget," Havertz said. "As a kid I could have never dreamed I would score a goal in the final and win that game. I will always be proud of it. I just try to take that feeling and hopefully it will happen again" (9).
Saliba vs Dembélé: the key duel
William Saliba is preparing for a direct battle with PSG's Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner (10). That matchup could define the final. Dembélé has been unplayable at times this season, but Saliba has been the bedrock of Arsenal's defense all year.
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Arteta's long-term deal a priority
Arsenal are working on securing Mikel Arteta to a long-term contract extension, and the club views it as a priority (3) (5). Fresh off delivering the Premier League title, the Spaniard holds all the leverage. Getting this done would lock in stability for years.
Transfer window: ins and outs
Bournemouth have confirmed their stance on forward Eli Junior Kroupi amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, they do not want to sell this summer (2). Separately, Barcelona are weighing up an approach for an unnamed Arsenal defender (7). And Atlético Madrid have firmly stated Julián Álvarez is not for sale despite reported interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG. The Atlético source said: "Julián is not for sale. There has been no offer for our player, nor any meeting" (8).
Fan reactions
Confidence is sky-high among Arsenal supporters ahead of Saturday. Havertz's bold declaration, "we are going on the pitch and we are going to beat PSG," has fans buzzing on r/soccer, and the squad's camaraderie is being celebrated as a defining feature of this group. Supporters are also reflecting on how the Kroenkes helped end the 'banter era,' with Tim Cahill's praise of Arteta drawing warm responses. Read the Havertz thread
