Wenger Backs Arsenal to Edge PSG in Champions League Final; Sends Rallying Call to Arteta

Arsene Wenger has thrown his weight behind Arsenal to claim Champions League glory, backing Mikel Arteta's side to pip PSG in Saturday's final in Budapest despite describing it as a genuine coin-flip contest.

Arsenal have already secured their first Premier League title since 2004, holding off Manchester City to set up the chance of completing the domestic and European double. Now they face the task of overcoming Ligue 1 powerhouses PSG, who are seeking to retain their trophy.

Wenger, the last Arsenal manager to lift the Premier League crown, knows all about reaching Europe's biggest stage. He came within touching distance of Champions League glory two decades ago, only to fall agonisingly short against Barcelona—thirteen minutes away from the trophy.

Speaking to UEFA, the legendary Gunners boss acknowledged the magnitude of the moment whilst backing his former club. "I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it's missing there," he said. "We touched it before – we were thirteen minutes away from winning it – so you want it to happen this time."

Wenger believes the final remains genuinely balanced but would lean towards Arsenal if forced to make a prediction. "I still believe it's fifty-fifty in the final, and if I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain," he explained.

The former manager highlighted the Gunners' consistency and squad quality as reasons for optimism. "I feel the club deserves it, this season deserves it and the consistency of the team deserves it. I think Arsenal have slowly built a history that now allows them to win it."

On the tactical battle ahead, Wenger emphasised Arsenal's defensive resilience as their trump card. "This Arsenal team's main strength is their ability to keep a clean sheet, and in a final that is very important. Then you have to be efficient. Your moment will come in the game and you have to be ruthless."

He also acknowledged PSG's attacking prowess but felt Arsenal possessed the tools to neutralise it. "PSG have huge attacking potential, but Arsenal also have individual quality and are very strong on set pieces, which can have a huge influence in a final. Once you are 1–0 up, everything starts to play to your strengths when you are strong defensively. Arsenal can always be dangerous."

Wenger offered Arteta some sage advice as the manager prepares his squad for the biggest night of their season. "Do what you usually do and try to be relaxed, even though I know that's impossible. Instil strong belief in your team," he said.

"He knows how to do that. He knows the players better than I do. Keep the togetherness the team has shown all season and that will be enough."