Budapest, May 29, 2026 – As Arsenal prepare for one of the most significant matches in the club’s modern history, Mikel Arteta has signaled his intentions with a bold and youthful selection that could define the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
With the Gunners bidding to complete a historic double, Arteta heads into Saturday’s showdown at the Puskas Arena with a near full-strength squad. The only confirmed absentee is Ben White, while Jurrien Timber is pushing hard to prove his fitness after flying with the squad to Budapest.
Timber has not played since mid-March but has trained this week and is desperate to feature against PSG’s dangerous attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arteta is expected to provide the latest update on the Dutchman’s condition during Friday evening’s media session following an open training event.
If Timber is not ready in time, Cristhian Mosquera is lined up to step in at right-back. However, the possibility of Timber starting adds a significant layer of defensive solidity and attacking threat from the back.
Midfield Youth Movement Sends Shockwaves
One of the most striking aspects of Arsenal’s preparations is the growing trust being placed in academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly. The young midfielder has been preferred to Martin Zubimendi in recent weeks and is now in pole position to partner Declan Rice in central midfield on the biggest stage of all.
This decision represents a major statement from Arteta — backing youth and dynamism over experience in a high-stakes final. Lewis-Skelly’s composure and technical quality have impressed in recent outings, and his inclusion would send a clear message about Arsenal’s fearless approach.
With Mikel Merino now fully available again, the Gunners boast impressive midfield depth, but it is the Rice-Lewis-Skelly axis that looks set to anchor the team.
Attacking Options and Big Calls
Martin Ødegaard is expected to start and is aiming to become the first Arsenal captain to lift the Champions League trophy. Even with Eberechi Eze pushing for a starting berth, the Norwegian’s leadership and creativity make him indispensable.
On the flanks, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are tipped to start, with Trossard in excellent form reminiscent of his earlier season performances. The Belgian’s ability to stretch the pitch and deliver key moments makes him a strong favorite on the left.
Up front, Arteta faces a major dilemma. Viktor Gyökeres has been in sensational form, finishing as Arsenal’s top scorer with 21 goals this season. Yet, in the biggest matches, the manager has often turned to Kai Havertz. With the German now fully fit, Havertz is predicted to lead the line in Budapest, offering a blend of physicality, aerial ability, and tactical intelligence.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard; Havertz
Doubts: Timber Injured: White
Historic Opportunity
The match kicks off at 5pm GMT on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
For Arsenal fans, this feels like a culmination of years of progress under Arteta. A youthful, dynamic midfield selection combined with a near full-strength defense and attack suggests the Gunners are not just here to compete — they are here to win.
PSG will have studied Arsenal extensively, but the bold inclusion of Lewis-Skelly and the potential return of Timber may be the surprises they didn’t fully anticipate.
The stage is set. A historic double is within reach.