Arsenal ready for PSG test in Budapest
Breakdown of Champions League prize money as Arsenal and PSG chase a huge winners’ bonus in the final.
PSG complained to UEFA after Arsenal cut their 2025 semi-final away allocation to 2,500 citing security. PSG later gave Arsenal 2,000 in Paris. For the final, each club receive around 17,200 tickets.
Arsenal seek a first European crown in their first final since 2006. Head-to-head: 2 wins each, 3 draws. PSG won both legs in 2025, but Arsenal beat PSG en route to the 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup.
Arteta says Arsenal have analysed PSG in detail, respect their status as holders and Luis Enrique’s ‘signature’ style, but vow to ‘make history’ in Budapest after tailored preparation for multiple scenarios.
A former Arsenal player has withdrawn from Champions League final punditry duties after receiving abuse.
Report claims Arsenal are monitoring Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández despite a £110m price and rival interest, with Sandro Tonali a priority. Fernández is under a long contract, making any move complex.
Arteta’s PSG loan shaped his defensive diligence and managerial beliefs. Now, after ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the league, he targets a first Champions League, declaring: ‘we are going to be the champions of Europe’.
Analysis tips Arsenal to dominate territory with high possession and front‑foot play. Arteta’s side boast 9 clean sheets to PSG’s 44 goals, framing best defence vs best attack in Budapest.
Wenger, Merson, Parlour and Monreal back Arsenal, citing a cagey game and set plays; Neville edges PSG. Scorelines mooted: 1-0 or 2-1 to Arsenal, with first goal seen as crucial.
Explains the major change to UK viewing, clarifying if Arsenal v PSG in the Champions League final will be free on YouTube.
Max Dowman, 16, is in Arsenal’s travelling squad for the PSG final and could become the youngest Champions League winner, eclipsing Nwankwo Kanu’s 18-year-old record.
Budapest will echo to rival anthems: Arsenal’s ‘The Angel (North London Forever)’ and PSG’s ‘Tous ensemble on chantera’, as fans set the tone for the final between Arteta and Enrique’s sides.
Ex-Gladbach scout Steffen Korell recalls trying to sign Ødegaard at 16 and says ‘he and Arsenal are a perfect fit’ as the captain leads them into a first Champions League final.
UEFA allocate 50 medals per club with no appearance threshold. Distribution is at club discretion, extras can be requested at cost. Kick-off 17:00 BST in Budapest, presentation follows full-time.
Nicolas Anelka reflects on leaving PSG for Arsenal, then a record move to Real Madrid he ‘hated’, admitting regrets and pressure, before returning to PSG and later winning another Premier League title with Chelsea.
Arsenal chase a historic double. Timber a late fitness call, Mosquera could start, White out. Havertz tipped to lead the line over Gyökeres. Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis‑Skelly; Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard; Havertz.
