Arsenal are just two days away from their biggest game of Mikel Arteta’s reign as manager, as they face PSG in the Champions League final.
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.
However, PSG faces major challenges.
France and the current European champions have been one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe this season, with speed, movement and technical quality across their front line.
One of their stars, Bradley Barcola, is even reliably reported to be a summer target for Andrea Berta and Arsenal.
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The Italian player received an offer from his agent in January.
Arsenal’s preparations for the final will therefore focus on tactical balance and defensive discipline.
Selection decisions are shaping up to be one of the biggest talking points ahead of kick-off.
Injuries and fitness concerns among defenders have already sparked debate over who will start, but midfield combinations are also being debated as Arteta searches for the right balance of control and energy.
One player who has become increasingly active in the conversation is Myles Lewis-Skelly.
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The teenager has made an impressive comeback in recent months and was one of Arsenal’s breakthrough players in the second half of the season.
Lewis-Skelly has played in several major games and has stepped up with maturity beyond his years.
One of his standout performances came in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, where he produced an energetic and calm performance in midfield under intense pressure.
His ability to possess possession and compete physically against experienced opponents was praised internally and by supporters alike.
Lewis-Skelly also started in the final game against Crystal Palace.
Nevertheless, not everyone believes that the final is the best time to introduce this youngster into the starting lineup.
Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has urged Arteta to rely on more experienced options in the Champions League final, specifically warning him against starting Lewis Skelly in such high-pressure situations.
“For me, Lewis-Skelly is too young (to start this fight),” Ebou told Metro.
“We know he is a very good player, but for the Champions League final we need an experienced player. PSG’s midfielder is very intelligent and quick.
“I think a bench start would be better for Lewis Skelly, but we’ll see.”
Eboue’s comments reflect a wider debate surrounding Arsenal’s line-up.
Lewis-Skelly’s recent form has undoubtedly been strong, but a Champions League final against a dangerous side like PSG means a whole different level of pressure.
At the same time, Arteta has consistently shown faith in his young players during Arsenal’s rebuilding period.
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba both became important figures at relatively young ages, and Lewis Skelly now appears to be following a similar path towards long-term importance within the team.
Whether he starts or not, the ‘special’ 19-year-old’s comeback has already become one of the bright spots of Arsenal’s season.
Few expected him to play such a prominent role at this stage of the campaign, but he has looked increasingly comfortable in major matches both domestically and in Europe.
For Arteta, the final decision will come down to balancing energy and fearlessness with experience and control.
Lewis-Skelly has shown he deserves to be at this level, but whether the Champions League final is the time to hand him such responsibility is one of Arsenal’s biggest selection questions before they face PSG.
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