Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains decision to start Kai Havertz in PSG Champions League final

Arsenal have gone strong for the match, with David Raya behind a back four of Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Piero Hincapie.

In midfield, Declan Rices, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Odegaard all get the nod.

And Havertz starts up top, instead of Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard flanking him.

This is arguably the biggest night in the Gunners' entire history as they seek a first Champions League triumph.

And Arteta has now opened up on his decision to start Havertz, despite the 26-year-old scoring just six goals this season.

The Spaniard insists it is merely a tactical call, and that the decision to pick between the pair had been 'very difficult'.

"Very difficult because they both bring different stuff," he said.

"But with the game we expect, we believe it was the right call to start with him, and we have time to bring Viktor [Gyokeres] on at any moment."

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has also provided his verdict.

"No, not for me. I think the big decision was up front," he stated.

"I think you can see the type of game that Arsenal want to make it and Havertz is obviously a little bit more free; he can link play a little bit better, come lower.

"Gonna need Declan stretching the line then to get in behind, I think he'll probably play a little bit higher than Myles [Lewis-Skelly]."

Meanwhile, Arsenal are playing in their first Champions League final since 2006.

They lost 2-1 to Barcelona on that occasion, but Arteta believes their desire to go all the way can see them go one better this time around.

“The ambition is bigger,” he said. “We have one, and now we want the second one. That’s all we’ve been talking about.

"There has to be a platform to reach bigger destinations and to aim for more. And the team is capable, because we’ve shown it in the last two seasons, in this competition.

"What we’ve done this season in the competition, and I want the players to be so confident that we’re going to win.”

When asked about his players, and their mindsets, he added: “That they want more. Going through those moments brings you a different kind of desire.

"Because you lift it, you know exactly how it feels. You want to reproduce that feeling as many times as possible.

“We have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of this football club. And in order to do that, we have to play with such clarity, a lot of courage, and a relentless desire to win. We have those three aspects, and I’m sure we’re going to be close to winning.”