Arsenal are preparing for the Champions League final against PSG, with Mikel Arteta facing a number of key personnel decisions
The Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain will command Arsenal’s complete attention this week. Having successfully secured a first Premier League title in 22 years, the moment is nearly upon us to discover whether the Gunners will create further history by capturing a maiden trophy in Europe’s elite competition.
Mikel Arteta’s squad will forever be recognised as the side that ended Arsenal’s title search more than two decades following the Invincibles. Nevertheless, his team could elevate themselves to even loftier status with a continental double.
There are additional matters unfolding away from the Puskas Arena, though, as one player has spoken out on speculation surrounding his future in north London. football.london examines that development and more in the latest stories from around the Emirates Stadium this week.
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Zubimendi ‘ready’ for UCL final comeback
Finding himself on the Arsenal bench recently, Martin Zubimendi returned to the starting line-up against Palace for the first time in a month. In response, the Euro 2024 champion has declared he’s “ready to go” and reclaim a spot in the starting XI for Saturday’s showdown with PSG.
Zubimendi, 27, has been named on the bench for Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches, as well as being omitted from the starting line-up for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Myles Lewis-Skelly has subsequently worked his way back into Arteta’s thinking as a deep-lying midfielder and may now be ranked ahead of Zubimendi in the current hierarchy.
When Marca enquired whether the Spaniard envisaged himself back in the starting XI against PSG, Zubimendi replied: “I always see myself playing, but what actually happens is another matter.
“Lately, I haven’t been getting much playing time, but I’m ready to go out and play. My overall performance in the Premier League has been very good, and I’m not going to dwell on these benchings.
“It’s been a very demanding, long season, in which I’ve made efforts I haven’t made in my career, and that’s surely taken its toll. But I think I’m back to normal now.”
Arteta will ultimately determine the selection as the Gunners target one final win to crown an already special campaign. Declan Rice is one guaranteed starter in the engine room, likely partnered by Martin Odegaard, with Eberechi Eze the other prominent name vying to secure a starting berth in midfield come Saturday.
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Jesus discusses potential exit
After seizing his opportunity with a rare starting berth of his own in Sunday’s victory over Crystal Palace, Gabriel Jesus’ future at Arsenal has become an even more pressing topic of discussion. The Brazil international has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal and may not be a leading contender for a new contract after turning 29 in April.
The former Manchester City frontman is also the third-highest earner at Arsenal (behind Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka), despite having made just 11 starts across all competitions this term. Jesus’ injury troubles have been a significant factor in that, having missed virtually the entire opening half of the campaign while recovering from a torn ACL.
It appears the São Paulo-born forward is just as uncertain as everyone else regarding his future. Nevertheless, he sounded optimistic about staying when reflecting on what lies ahead following his goal in the 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.
“The future belongs to God. I still have one year left on my Arsenal contract,” he told ESPN Brazil. “I want to play and prove to myself that I can still play at a high level.”
It speaks volumes that Arteta handed Jesus the captain’s armband for Sunday’s curtain-closer against Palace. A largely second-string side took to the field in south London ahead of the journey to Budapest, where Jesus will be eager to play some part.
Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival at Arsenal last summer immediately pushed him further down the striker hierarchy under Arteta. Arsenal may be willing to part ways with the player should the right offer come in this summer, while one more season on the current terms may also appeal to all parties.
He added: “A lot is said about my future and I’m very honest. It’s not easy for a player who always wants to evolve and help on the pitch with what’s been happening.”
