Wenger and Merson Back Arsenal for Champions League Glory
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes the club can finally secure their first Champions League title by defeating Paris Saint‑Germain in Saturday’s final.
Wenger, who managed Arsenal for over two decades, said he longs to see the trophy displayed at the Emirates after years of near‑misses in Europe.
Arsenal are pursuing the club’s maiden Champions League crown, almost 20 years after Wenger’s side fell to FC Barcelona in the 2006 final.
Speaking to the UK Mirror, Wenger recalled how close his team came to lifting the trophy.
“I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it’s missing there,” Wenger said. “We touched it before, we were thirteen minutes away from winning it, so you want it to happen this time. Overall, I believe this is a stage where we can grab it. I still believe it’s fifty‑fifty in the final, and if I had to bet, I would back Arsenal more than Paris Saint‑Germain.”
Meanwhile, former England midfielder Paul Merson argues that Arsenal’s biggest advantage against PSG lies in their set‑piece prowess.
Merson, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, claimed PSG may struggle to cope with Arsenal’s corners and free‑kicks.
“I think they’ve got a chance, especially with the way they do set‑plays,” Merson said. “Anytime they get a set‑piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they’re a good team but they’re a small team. I think PSG will struggle with that. You’re talking about one of the best forward lines against one of the best defences.”
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