Arsenal are now just two days away from the biggest game of Mikel Arteta’s reign as they prepare to face PSG in the Champions League final.
The Gunners have enjoyed a superb European campaign to reach the showpiece, overcoming some of the continent’s strongest sides along the way.
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After years of rebuilding under Arteta, Arsenal now have the chance to win Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time in their history.
PSG, however, present a huge challenge.
The French and current European champions have been one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe this season, with pace, movement and technical quality across the front line.
One of their stars, Bradley Barcola, is even a reliably reported summer target for Andrea Berta and Arsenal.
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The Italian was offered to them by his agent in January.
Arsenal’s preparation for the final will therefore centre heavily on tactical balance and defensive discipline.
Selection decisions are becoming one of the biggest talking points ahead of kick-off.
Injuries and fitness concerns in defence have already created debate around who starts, while midfield combinations are also under discussion as Arteta searches for the right balance between control and energy.
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One player who has increasingly forced himself into the conversation is Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal urged to drop Myles Lewis-Skelly for Champions League final
The teenager has enjoyed an impressive return to the fold in recent months and has become one of Arsenal’s breakout performers during the second half of the campaign.
Lewis-Skelly has featured in several major matches and has handled the step-up with maturity beyond his years.
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One of his standout displays came in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, where he produced an energetic and composed performance in midfield under intense pressure.
His ability to carry possession and compete physically against experienced opposition earned praise internally and from supporters alike.
Lewis-Skelly also started their last match against Crystal Palace on the final day.
Despite this, not everyone believes the final is the right moment to throw the youngster into the starting lineup.
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Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has urged Arteta to rely on more experienced options for the Champions League final and specifically warned against starting Lewis-Skelly in such a high-pressure occasion.
"For me, Lewis-Skelly is too young [to start this game]," Eboue told The Metro.
"I know he is a very good player but for the Champions League final you need the players who have experience. With the PSG midfielders, they are so intelligent and quick.
"For Lewis-Skelly I think it is better for him to start on the bench, and then we will see."
Eboue’s comments reflect the wider debate around Arsenal’s lineup.
Lewis-Skelly’s form has undoubtedly been strong lately, but a Champions League final against a side as dangerous as PSG represents a completely different level of pressure.
At the same time, Arteta has consistently shown faith in younger players throughout his rebuild at Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba both became key figures at relatively young ages, and Lewis-Skelly now appears to be following a similar path towards long-term importance in the squad.
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Whether he starts or not, the 'special' 19-year-old’s re-emergence has already been one of the positive stories of Arsenal’s season.
Few expected him to play such a significant role at this stage of the campaign, yet he has increasingly looked comfortable in major matches both domestically and in Europe.
For Arteta, the final decision will ultimately come down to balancing energy and fearlessness with experience and control.
Lewis-Skelly has shown he belongs at this level, but whether the Champions League final is the moment to hand him such responsibility remains one of Arsenal’s biggest selection questions before facing PSG.
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