Arsenal's 22-year wait for a Premier League title ended on Sunday, and Mikel Arteta is already talking like a man who thinks the mood can carry into the Champions League final. The club finished seven points clear at the top with 82 points, and Arteta said: "I am convinced we are going to do it."

William Saliba's message is just as direct. The defender said, "Now we have started with the Premier League, it is my first one, so I am happy. But I am not full. I want more."

Why Arsenal's title win matters in Budapest

Arteta also said the title has changed the feeling around the squad. "I said to the boys that this shirt now represents something else. We are the champions, and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy to it."

That confidence is not coming from nowhere. Arsenal won four of their last five league games, and their Champions League home run listed in the brief is perfect, five wins from five. Saliba, who made 31 Premier League appearances, has been a big part of that platform, and his 7.02 league rating reflects a season where the defensive side of the team has done its job.

There is also a practical point here. Saliba said PSG were "scary" last year and are still "scary" this year, and Arsenal know they will need to be "100%" to beat them. That sounds like normal final-build-up talk, but it also fits the evidence: this is a team that has already handled league pressure and now wants another trophy.

PSG's fitness watch before Saturday

PSG's build-up is less clean. Ousmane Dembélé suffered a suspected calf injury during Paris FC, PSG's final Ligue 1 match of the season, and he did not feature in the in-house friendly last weekend. Achraf Hakimi also did not take part in that game.

Dembélé tried to calm the noise, saying, "I'm feeling much better than on Sunday. I had a minor scare, but the doctor told me there's nothing to worry about." He also said, "Will I be 100 per cent for the final? Yes, I think so. I'll be ready. I have no doubt about it. I hope to be on the pitch on May 30th."

The reason PSG will still care about that update is plain enough. Dembélé scored 10 league goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances, so if he is not quite right, it changes the tone of the final. Arsenal have momentum and belief. PSG are still waiting on answers.

FAQ

Why does Arsenal vs PSG feel so open after Arsenal won the league?

Arsenal's 22-year wait for a Premier League title ended on Sunday, and they finished seven points clear with 82 points. Arteta says that success has given the squad confidence, while Saliba says he wants more before the Champions League final in Budapest.

What did Mikel Arteta say about Arsenal beating PSG?

Arteta said, "I am convinced we are going to do it." He also said the title means Arsenal now represent something else, with "a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy" going into the final.

Is Ousmane Dembele fit for the Champions League final?

Dembele suffered a suspected calf injury during PSG's final Ligue 1 match against Paris FC, then missed PSG's in-house friendly last weekend. He said he is feeling better and expects to be ready, but the sources still frame him as a fitness watch.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 8 outlets. How we work →