Champions League final: PSG's Dembélé and Hakimi back in training
Saturday. Budapest. 18:00 CET. That's when it happens.
Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the biggest match in the club's modern history, the Champions League final. And PSG are getting reinforcements just in time. Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi are both expected to rejoin full team training on Tuesday after injury layoffs (12). Both could be match-fit for Saturday, which changes the tactical picture significantly. A rested, near-full-strength PSG side is a different proposition entirely.
You go into this as Premier League champions, the 2–1 win over Crystal Palace sealed title number one in 22 years (7). Kai Havertz was instrumental in that final-day victory, and the squad has learned to close out the moments that used to slip away. But PSG are not Palace.
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Jens Lehmann, never one to stay quiet, had some pointed advice for David Raya ahead of the final: "Háganos el favor... y no se deje expulsar", do us a favour and don't get yourself sent off, with a little dig at Barcelona tucked in (9). Classic Lehmann.
One off-pitch note: Arsenal have chosen not to cover staff travel costs to Budapest for the final, a contrast to PSG's approach. That will sit differently with different people. The match itself is what matters now.
Trossard on the transfer list, Beşiktaş circling
Leandro Trossard has been told he can find a new club this summer. The Belgian winger, who scored vital goals in the title run-in and was instrumental under Arteta, is on the market according to reports from Turkey (10). Beşiktaş are showing interest.
It comes just days after Trossard gave an emotional interview about nearly leaving last summer and how he found his place at Arsenal. The timing is brutal, but this is the cold reality of a club that just won the league and is already planning the next step.
Arsenal women: Fox and Russo make Champions League Team of the Season
Emily Fox and Alessia Russo have both been named in the official UWCL Team of the Season (6). The recognition caps a campaign where Arsenal Women reached the Champions League semi-finals. Two names in that XI tells you the level they hit.
Merino called up for World Cup despite injury return
Mikel Merino has been selected for Spain's World Cup squad immediately after returning from injury (8). The Arsenal midfielder's season has been interrupted, but Spain clearly aren't worried about match sharpness. He'll be heading to the tournament.
Kroenke: no complacency after title
Josh Kroenke has made it clear the Premier League trophy isn't the finish line. "We know we have to strengthen again," the Arsenal director said, signaling continued investment in the summer window (2).
That's the tone from ownership, and the moves are already backing it up. The club have made what's being described as an "aggressive" first bid of the window (14), and talks are reportedly open for a midfielder Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been targeting (11). A PSG and Liverpool plot worth watching: both clubs are reportedly preparing a €100m bid for a former Leganés player, which could ripple into Arsenal's own market (15).
The title is won. The work hasn't stopped.
Fan reactions
The Raya appreciation thread is exactly what you'd expect after a title-winning season, fans are pointing to his consistency and the calming presence he brought to a backline that conceded the fewest goals in the league. There's genuine warmth for a player who had to win over doubters after replacing Ramsdale. Read the full discussion
