Mikel Arteta gives squad update ahead of Champions League final as key defender declared fit

Sir Keir Starmer celebrates Arsenal winning the Premier League

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GB NEWS

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 29/05/2026

- 19:27

Arsenal can lift their first-ever UCL title with a victory over Paris Saint-Germain

Mikel Arteta has given an update on his squad's availability ahead of the Champions League final.

Arsenal are set to play Paris Saint-Germain in club football's biggest contest, with the final set to get underway on Saturday at 5pm in Budapest, Hungary.


Providing an update on the eligibility of his players, Arteta confirmed highly-rated defender Jurrien Timber "is fit", with Noni Madueke also available.

The update will be a boost for Arsenal fans, with the Dutchman a marquee player in the back line this season.

Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has provided a squad update ahead of the Champions League final

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REUTERS

Commenting on the ambition of his team, Arteta said: "They want more, going through those moments brings out a different desire because you lift it, you know exactly how it feels, and you want to reproduce that feeling as many times as possible.

"When I watched the games back, I was pleased with what I saw.

"I was more confident that the feeling I had before about how unlucky we were in moments not to go through to that final.

"It is a different moment, and the team has evolved."

Timber

Jurrien Timber is available for the Gunners

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REUTERS

Speaking on how his side is progressing with victories, he said: "I feel it, and we know that we have done it, we have earned it after fighting for so long in the Premier League to do that after 22 years.

"Now we have another opportunity to do it, and the journey we have had in the competition shows we are capable, and the boys have a maximum level of desire."

Arsenal skipper Bukayo Saka was also on hand to give his thoughts ahead of the biggest game in his club career.

The Englishman said: "I think we have had a week to recover and prepare for this game. A game like this is not going to be decided in minutes.

Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta shared he was 'pleased with what I saw' when watching old games back

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REUTERS

"It is going to be decided on moments and a bit of quality, and which team is better organised, I believe.

"I am proud sitting here today saying we achieved that. It has been a long journey with some disappointments along the way, but it has been worth it to lift that Premier League.

"To do it with Mikel was special as well."

Martin Odegaard will lead Arsenal out for their second-ever Champions League final, saying that he has "been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid".

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka said the game is 'going to be decided on moments and a bit of quality'

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REUTERS

The Norwegian said: "To do it with this group is unbelievable. Special, special feeling. Good vibes, and we're ready to go again.

"The leadership group is so strong, and Saka has taken so much responsibility.

"We really help each other, and I think that has been key to our success that people are taking responsibility."

PSG are bidding to become the first team since Real Madrid to retain the Champions League, while Arsenal are pursuing their first-ever title.