Mikel Arteta told to drop Arsenal’s “special” star against PSG in surprise phone call
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.
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 bigger challenge.
The French and current European champions have been one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe this season, with speed, movement and technical quality in the starting line.
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Arsenal’s preparations for the final will therefore focus heavily on tactical balance and defensive alignment.
Selection decisions become one of the biggest talking points before the games start.
Injuries and concerns about defensive fitness have fueled debate over who starts, while midfield combinations are also being debated as Arteta seeks the right balance between control and power.
Another player who has forced himself into the conversation is Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal have appealed to leave Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the Champions League final
The youngster has enjoyed a return to the fold in recent months and has been one of Arsenal’s standout players in the second half of the campaign.
Lewis-Skelly has played in several big games and has handled the move with maturity beyond his years.
One of his standout performances came in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, where he produced an intense and coordinated performance in midfield under intense pressure.
His ability to carry possession and compete physically against experienced opposition earned him praise from insiders and fans alike.
Lewis-Skelly also started their final game against Crystal Palace on the final day.
Despite this, not everyone believes that the playoffs are the right time to throw a guy into the starting lineup.
Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has urged Arteta to rely on more experienced charges in the Champions League final and warned specifically against starting Lewis-Skelly in this high-pressure period.
“For me, Lewis-Skelly is too young [to start this game],” Eboue told Metro.
“I know he is a top player but in the Champions League final you need experienced players. PSG midfielders are smart and quick.
“For Lewis-Skelly, I think it’s better for him to start on the bench, then we’ll see.”
Eboue’s comments reflect a wider debate about Arsenal’s squad.
Lewis-Skelly’s form has undoubtedly been strong of late, but a Champions League final against a dangerous team like PSG represents an entirely different level of pressure.
At the same time, Arteta has been showing faith in young players during his rebuilding at Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba both became key players at a young age, and Lewis-Skelly now appears to be following a similar path to long-term importance to the club.
Whether he starts or not, the 19-year-old’s ‘special’ resurgence is already one of the best stories of Arsenal’s season.
Few expected him to play such an important role at this stage of the campaign, yet he has looked comfortable in big games at home and in Europe.
For Arteta, the final decision will ultimately come down to balancing strength and fearlessness with knowledge and control.
Lewis-Skelly has shown that he belongs at this level, but whether the Champions League final is the time to give him such a responsibility remains one of Arsenal’s biggest selection questions ahead of facing PSG.
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