Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry on the eve of the 2026 Champions League final, declaring his side's intent to dethrone holders Paris Saint-Germain and seize European glory for only the second time in the club's history. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Budapest alongside captain Martin Ødegaard and talismanic forward Bukayo Saka, Arteta delivered a message brimming with ambition: "We are here to snatch it from them." The final represents a shot at redemption after the Gunners fell to PSG in last season's semi-finals, and Arteta made clear that his team has evolved and is ready to write a new chapter.
For Arteta, a former Barcelona team-mate of PSG boss Luis Enrique, the encounter carries personal significance. "He has always been a reference point," Arteta admitted, praising the Spanish coach's transformative impact on the French champions. "You can see his imprint everywhere — the identity, the mentality, the way the players behave and play." The mutual admiration, however, will pause for 90 minutes as Arteta aims to outwit the man he described as a constant source of inspiration. It is a clash of tactical philosophies that promises to define the final.
The Arsenal manager recalled the pain of last season's near miss, when his side was eliminated by PSG in the semi-finals. Rewatching those matches, Arteta said, only reinforced his belief that Arsenal were unfortunate not to progress. "I was even more convinced how close we were and how unlucky we were in many moments. Both teams have evolved, and I'm sure tomorrow will be a different kind of game." That evolution is evident in Arsenal's commanding Premier League triumph — their first domestic title in 22 years — which has steeled the squad for the ultimate continental prize.
Arteta's message to his players was unambiguous: play with clarity, immense courage, and an unrelenting desire to win. He acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion, noting that this is only the second Champions League final in Arsenal's history, after their 2006 defeat to Barcelona. The chance to claim the trophy for the first time fuels the collective hunger. "Tomorrow we have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of this club," Arteta said, setting the tone for a night of high drama.
Captain Martin Ødegaard, who has been instrumental in Arsenal's resurgence, spoke with the calm intensity that defines his leadership. "It's something special that we can achieve," the Norwegian said. "We waited 22 years for the Premier League, and now we want to make history again. When you taste the joy of lifting a trophy, you want to relive it." Ødegaard revealed that dreams of winning such finals have accompanied him since childhood, when he played with friends on a small pitch near his home. "That dream has been with me my whole life," he added, underlining the personal stakes.
Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's star attacker, offered a blunt assessment of the team's mindset. "We have the right grit to face this match," he said. "We know we can write history, and that's enough motivation for us." Reflecting on the journey from academy prospect to key figure in a title-winning side, Saka emphasized the emotional connection with supporters. "We've seen what it means to the fans... We have to stay focused on this game, and that could make the parade in London on Sunday even more incredible." His words captured the blend of determination and euphoria surrounding the camp.
Arteta's bold "snatch it" declaration was the headline moment, a direct challenge to PSG's status as defending champions. "They are the current title holders; they were the last to earn the right to lift it. We are here to tear it away from them," he said, without a trace of doubt. That confrontational stance reflects the growing confidence within a squad that has shed its fragile reputation. No longer the nearly-men of European football, Arsenal arrive in Budapest believing they can dominate.
The tactical duel against Luis Enrique's PSG will be fascinating. Arteta has built a side defined by fluid attacking patterns and defensive resilience, while Enrique's team is known for suffocating possession and quick transitions. The final of 2026 pits two graduates of the Barcelona school against each other, each with a distinct interpretation of modern football. Arteta's admiration for his counterpart is genuine, yet his focus remains squarely on outmaneuvering the master on the biggest stage.
For Arsenal, victory would seal a historic double and cement Arteta's legacy as one of the club's greatest managers — the man who restored Premier League dominance and conquered Europe. It would also validate the long-term project that has seen young stars like Saka and Ødegaard develop into leaders. Failure, on the other hand, would sting after coming so close last season, but the psychological scars appear healed. There is a palpable sense of destiny around this team.
The Paris Saint-Germain challenge, however, is formidable. As holders, they possess big-game experience and a roster packed with talent. Arteta knows that moments, not minutes, will decide the contest, a sentiment echoed by Saka. "We've had a week to recover and prepare. The match won't be decided in minutes, but in moments," the England winger noted, highlighting the narrow margins that separate triumph from despair in finals.
As the city of Budapest braces for one of the most anticipated Champions League finals in recent memory, Arsenal's message is clear: the trophy belongs to no one until it is won. Arteta, Saka, and Ødegaard have laid down the challenge, and now the Gunners must deliver on the pitch. After years of rebuilding, this is their moment to leap from contenders to champions. The stage is set for a night that could redefine Arsenal's place in European football.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
