Lineker hails PSG's "best team" triumph as Arsenal told to hunt three summer signings

Arsenal's Champions League dream ended in heartbreak at the penalty spot, with Paris Saint-Germain prevailing 4-3 after a 1-1 draw through extra time. The Gunners mounted a resolute defensive display but ultimately couldn't find a way past their French opponents, despite Kai Havertz's early opener being cancelled out by Ousmane Dembele's penalty conversion late in normal time.

While the defeat stings, Gary Lineker has argued the outcome represents a victory for football itself. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former England striker defended PSG's triumph as entirely justified.

"It was obviously disappointing for Arsenal but I do think the best team in the tournament has won again," Lineker declared. "Looking at the game as a fan with no skin in the game, I think Arsenal had to play that way because they wouldn't have beaten PSG any other way."

The pundit acknowledged Arsenal's tactical approach, though he suggested the nature of their defensive setup—however effective—doesn't necessarily make for compelling viewing. "I know there are all different sort of ways to play and there's nothing wrong with playing defensively. But at the same time football is entertainment and you want to see teams that are really positive, creative and have the best players and play wonderful football."

Lineker identified three teams as this season's elite operators: PSG, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. Arsenal's defensive organisation was such that PSG created precious little, yet the Londoners couldn't overcome the gap in attacking prowess.

"I think this season those three teams have been PSG, Bayern Munich and Barcelona," Lineker explained. "Arsenal are brilliant defensively and PSG didn't create much because they're so organised but I think as a neutral it was a positive result for football. I think in terms of how football should be played, the best team won."

Arsenal must bolster three departments

While Arsenal's defensive credentials are beyond question, Micah Richards believes Mikel Arteta must raid the market this summer to elevate the club into genuine contenders. The former City defender pinpointed three specific areas requiring reinforcement.

"I think they need another striker," Richards said. "Kai Havertz is outstanding in terms of technical ability and Viktor Gyokeres has done well in his first season. But if they could get someone like Julian Alvarez, that would just give Arsenal something different. He's one of the best strikers in world football going into the World Cup and he's already won one of those with Argentina."

A left-winger capable of adding genuine threat was Richards' second priority, with a more dynamic midfielder his third demand. "I think they also need another left-winger and another centre midfielder," he continued.

The addition of Christian Norgaard has provided some stability in temperament, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has proven capable, yet Richards suggested the midfield needs more punch alongside Declan Rice. "Bringing in Christian Norgaard has worked to a certain degree in terms of his temperament and Myles Lewis-Skelly has shown he can definitely do a job in there. But to get the best out of someone like Martin Zubimendi you need to be a little bit higher so he can get on the ball and dictate the game from there."

"So maybe they can get someone else in the midfield alongside Rice who is more box to box, more energetic and aggressive," Richards added. "If they get that, a new striker and another winger they can compete for the next two, three, four years now – that's how good I think they can be."