Arsenal head into Saturday's Champions League final in a buoyant mood after wrapping up the Premier League title
05:00, 29 May 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come under pressure at times this season(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Arsenal bandwagon rolls into Budapest next. Following confirmation of the Premier League title win with a match to spare, Gunners supporters have been revelling in the club's first league championship in 22 years.
For Mikel Arteta and his players, attention has turned back to matters on the pitch as they aim to seal a historic double by defeating holders and favourites Paris Saint-Germain in the Hungarian capital. Arteta enjoyed the privilege of rotating his squad for the final-day triumph at Crystal Palace, ensuring most players are fit and rejuvenated ahead of the showpiece occasion.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of fitness doubts, particularly surrounding Jurrien Timber, who faces a battle against the clock to feature. As the build-up to the club's appointment with destiny intensifies, here's a summary of the latest Gunners news...
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Timber's World Cup replacement plan
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has provided an update on Timber after he named a couple of World Cup contingency options in his squad. Having been absent for the previous 14 matches with a groin problem, the full-back is recovering but remains uncertain for Saturday's encounter.
Monitoring the situation closely is Koeman, who has prepared alternatives should the 24 year old miss the World Cup by placing Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida on standby. He said: "This is linked to Jurrien Timber.
Jurrien Timber of Netherlands in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Lithuania on November 17, 2025
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Jurrien Timber is facing a race against time to be fully fit for the World Cup(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
"The situation with him is that he was due to train with the squad, to see how things look ahead of the weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. We'll have to wait and see if he'll make it."
Timber himself has voiced optimism regarding his availability, stating: "There's hope, but we'll see. I'm working really hard and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream.
"So I will give everything, and with the World Cup as well, but obviously, first the Champions League final. It's going to be amazing anyway."
Should he feature, Timber will face the task of neutralising dangerous PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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'Arteta could have walked'
Arteta might have resigned from Arsenal had they not secured the Premier League title. That's the view of former Gunners defender Emmanuel Eboue, who believes a fourth consecutive second-place finish would have proved unbearable for the Spaniard.
Eboue told BetMGM: "I think if he didn't win the Premier League, he may have decided to go. When you are at a club that loves you, who gives you everything to win the league... After you've given everything, your best, to go so close after 22 years without winning it, I think he could have walked away."
While Arteta's touchline behaviour doesn't appeal to everyone, Eboue admires his intensity. He continued: "I'm so happy for him. This year, Arsenal have won the Premier League because of him.
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"He worked so hard for the club to bring this success. Even on the bench, he never sits. He is so involved, I am so impressed with him."
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