NBA star Victor Wembanyama has ignited a pre-Champions League final war of words, declaring that he will be supporting Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal later this month, while taking a swipe at the Gunners' playing style. The San Antonio Spurs sensation claimed that Arsenal would 'not make it fun' in the showpiece event.
The Gunners secured their spot in the European Cup final for the first time in two decades by overcoming Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. A narrow 1-0 victory on the night sealed a 2-1 aggregate win in a tense, cagey affair that highlighted the defensive strengths of both sides.
Arsenal remain unbeaten in this season's Champions League, an impressive run spanning 14 matches. However, their final opponents, PSG, represent their sternest test yet. The Parisian side are the defending champions and eliminated Arsenal at the semi-final stage just 12 months ago.
PSG have been dominant in the knockout rounds, displaying sensational attacking football to dispatch Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. Their style is both effective and highly entertaining, which has won them admirers like Wembanyama. Speaking on Amazon Prime Sport, he said: 'PSG of course, at least they're going to make it fun, cause I know Arsenal ain't.'
Arsenal did manage to beat PSG in the league phase last year, winning both home and away fixtures. However, the French side raised their game in the semi-finals, defeating the Premier League outfit convincingly. Mikel Arteta remains confident his team can rise to the occasion in Budapest.
Arteta commented: 'It is what it is. We knew the level of the opposition that we had to face, either way, Bayern Munich or PSG. We know the quality that they have, and that's it. But obviously, we're also very confident that when we get to that moment, we're going to deliver what we need to.'
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard weighed in after the semi-finals, suggesting Arsenal would enter the final as underdogs. He urged them to leverage their physicality and set-piece prowess to secure continental glory. Gerrard stated: 'They're playing against a high quality team, an elite manager, Arsenal will have to be the best version of themselves for the full game. Every single player's going to have to turn up, but of course they've got a chance. I think they'll be the underdogs which might suit them.'
He added: 'If they can win the Premier League it'll give them immense belief and confidence going in. I think they have to use their physicality, their size. They'll need to make every set piece count and take PSG where they don't want to go and make it uncomfortable for them, but they've certainly got a chance.'
The final promises to be a clash of styles: PSG's free-flowing attack versus Arsenal's disciplined defence. With Wembanyama's comments adding extra spice, all eyes will be on Budapest.
