UMVA has learned that Arsenal legend Paul Merson is demanding Mikel Arteta bring back injury‑plagued Jurrien Timber for the Champions League final against PSG, even if the defender is only half‑fit.
Arsenal’s triumphant Premier League title win this weekend has set the stage for a historic double as they face PSG in their first Champions League final in two decades.
Merson insists the Gunners are more than capable of clinching Europe’s biggest prize, arguing that their defensive solidity will outmatch PSG’s formidable forward line.
The key to that belief, according to Merson, lies in Timber’s presence. The 24‑year‑old was pivotal during the title run but has been sidelined for the last two months with a groin injury.
Rumours swirl that Timber may be fit enough to train this week, and Merson says “he’s got to play, even if he’s half‑fit.” He urges Arteta to take a chance on the defender, warning that the Gunners need every edge they can get.
Arteta, meanwhile, is eyeing a stunning double. He believes the recent title triumph has granted the squad a rare calm, free from the nervous energy that often plagues teams before a final.
Merson adds that Arsenal’s set‑piece prowess could turn a single corner or free kick into a decisive moment, a tactic he says would be a nightmare for PSG’s relatively small defensive setup.
Ben White has already filled in at right‑back while Timber was absent, but that substitution too has come at a cost, as White’s injury has ruled him out of both the Champions League final and the upcoming World Cup.
Arsenal’s journey to the final began with a dramatic semi‑final victory over Atletico Madrid, ending a 20‑year wait for a Champions League appearance.
With the final set to take place at the Puskás Arena in Budapest, the Gunners face a PSG side eager for a second consecutive European title after a 5‑0 win over Inter Milan last year.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Arsenal faithful are buzzing with anticipation, confident that their team can silence the crowd and lift the coveted trophy.
