ARTETA: ARSENAL MUST MAKE HISTORY AFTER EARNING THEIR PLACE AT THE TOP

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta insists the Gunners belong on football’s biggest stage but must now prove it by going all the way in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain FC.

Speaking ahead of the showpiece, the Arsenal FC boss made it clear that reaching the final is not the end goal, but only the starting point for a side chasing history.

“We’re focused, positive. We are here because we have the right to be here. Tomorrow on the field, we’re going to have to earn the right to lift the trophy,” Arteta said.

The Spaniard, who guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years this season, believes his team now have the chance to turn achievement into something far greater.

“We have the opportunity to write a new chapter. We have to play with a lot of clarity and desire to win. Winning the Champions League would be something new for all of us. It’s tough to write new history at Arsenal, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Despite finally ending their long wait for domestic success, Arteta stressed that one trophy is not enough for a squad built to compete at the highest level.

“We have won a title, but we want to win more. There always has to be a platform to earn more.

“They want more. After you lift the trophy, you want to reproduce that feeling as many times as possible.”

Arteta also reflected on last season’s semi-final defeat to PSG, insisting Arsenal were closer than the scoreline suggested.

“When I watch the games back, I was very pleased with what I saw. We were close, unlucky not to go into that final. Tomorrow we’ll play a different game, I’m sure.”

The Arsenal manager also praised PSG coach Luis Enrique, calling him a long-standing influence on his career.

“He’s always been a reference for me, since he was a player. In PSG, you can see his fingerprints, the identity, the mentality, the way the players behave. He’s been an inspiration, but tomorrow we will clash on the touchline.”

Arteta confirmed Arsenal have received a major boost with Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke both fit for the final, leaving only Ben White unavailable as the Gunners prepare for one of the most defining matches of their modern era.