logo
Declan Rice feels Arsenal are on the brink of a gold rush ahead of PSG clash but the final step - winning a trophy - is often the hardest, writes OLIVER HOLT

Declan Rice feels Arsenal are on the brink of a gold rush ahead of PSG clash but the final step - winning a trophy - is often the hardest, writes OLIVER HOLT

Daily Mail​06-05-2025

Out on the edge of the city, where the suburbs start to give way to lush countryside and the Paris Saint-German coach Luis Enrique rides the 9km from his house to the training ground in Poissy on his bicycle, everything was serene on Tuesday when Achraf Hakimi began to talk about what lies ahead for Arsenal.
Hakimi transported us there, to Wednesday evening, as best he could. 'The atmosphere will be insane, inside and outside the stadium,' the PSG defender said. 'These are the games that kids want to play in. The city will stop breathing for this game; I completely get that. The fans helped us overturn the game against Manchester City when we were down and they deserve this joy now.'
A few hours later, Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice walked into the Parc des Princes as it lay deserted and brooding on Tuesday evening, waiting for its moment. One after another, Arsenal coach and midfield general matched Hakimi for optimism. After a few minutes of listening, it felt like attending a seminar on the power of positive thinking.
Arsenal may be a goal down from the first leg of this Champions League semi-final, when they never quite recovered from a PSG masterclass in the opening 30 minutes, but you would not have known it to hear the pair speak.
Rice, who will be freed to play in his favoured No 8 role by the return of Thomas Partey after suspension, exuded wide-eyed, smiling enthusiasm for the task in front of him and his team even though he will up against Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, commonly regarded as the best midfield in Europe.
He talked about it as a chance to edge closer to immortality, a chance to make history by reaching Arsenal's first Champions League final for 19 years, a chance to start a gold rush of trophies that will put Arsenal's nearly-man reputation to the sword.
'The next step for us is to win trophies,' Rice said, after he had been invited to recall the two stunning free kicks he scored against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. 'I sense that we're close, but to get over the line, you have to win that first one. I feel like they'll start coming in for sure. We have such a good group, but we need to keep believing and being positive.'
It was in another part of the city, at the Stade de France, where Arsenal lost their only appearance in the final to Barcelona in 2006 but Arteta, who played for PSG for 18 months, is determined to lay those ghosts, too.
'Yes, it will give us another opportunity in this city,' Arteta said, 'and it brings you to places that are so related sometimes. It's a beautiful story, so let's make it our own tomorrow.
'We come here with huge enthusiasm, huge energy. We are a win away from being in the Champions League final and we are in the most beautiful city in the world. Against a great opponent. It doesn't get much better than that. We are here to make history. We have a big opportunity.
'Winning trophies is about being in the right moment in the right place. Liverpool have won the title with fewer points than we have had in the last two seasons so you have to be in the right moment in the right place. Hopefully we are in the right moment in the right place in Paris tomorrow.'
Arteta also hinted that the pressure PSG will be under in front of their own fans. They have blown advantages better than the one they hold over Arsenal before, notably the four-goal lead they threw away over Barcelona in 2017 and the three goals in 17 decisive minutes they conceded to Real Madrid in 2022.
But there is pressure on Arteta, too. Their failed challenge for the Premier League title has curdled into rather a grim battle to hang on to second place, with some even suggesting the apocalyptic scenario that they could yet lose their place in the top five.
Some, even among Arsenal's support, have sought to portray Wednesday evening's second leg as a match that could doom Arteta's reign at the Emirates if his team does not manage to respond to its own blizzard of optimism.
PSG will be under pressure from their own fans in Paris, Arteta insisted ahead of the tie
Those voices are suggesting, even before the game has taken place, that Arteta has hit a ceiling at the club and that the prospect of three successive second-placed finishes in the Premier League shows that Arsenal's progress has stalled.
That analysis is flawed. It assumes, for a start, that Arsenal's natural place in the English football firmament is as a regular winner of league titles and that Arteta is somehow selling the club short.
The reality, of course, is that Arsenal have not won the league for 21 years and have only won it six times in the last 72 years. They are not habitual champions. It does not mean they do not have a right to dream, as every club does, but Arteta is moving them closer to that dream.
It is frustrating that Arsenal cannot get over the line in the league but that does not change the fact that Arteta is consistently over-achieving with the resources at his disposal. Not that those resources are inconsiderable but they do not match what is available to Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Arteta is getting Arsenal closer all the time. Whatever happens at the Parc des Princes, reaching the semi-finals of the world's leading club competition is another example of the club's progress and its restoration to Europe's elite.
It would be absurd for Arsenal to think about sacrificing that maturity and consistency by dispensing with Arteta when he has brought them so near to the big prizes. They can see the destination now. They just need to back the manager by strengthening the squad in the summer and holding their nerve.
There is still a feeling, despite support for Kai Havertz from within the club, that the club needs an upgrade in its front line, whether that is with a conventional centre forward or with another forward who plays more as a false 9.
This run to the last four of the Champions League, and possibly beyond, can only help with the recruitment process. If they can add PSG to Real Madrid in their list of victims, attracting the best players will be that much easier.
The last step, though, is often the hardest. Beyond all the talking, and the gleaming smiles, Arteta and Rice know that. 'To be in the final of the Champions League,' Arteta said, 'you have to do something exceptional. Tomorrow night is the night we have to elevate ourselves.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Arsenal 'preparing proposal to sign Viktor Gyokeres' amid explosive 'blackmail' accusations from Sporting Lisbon's president which have 'shaken up the market'
Arsenal 'preparing proposal to sign Viktor Gyokeres' amid explosive 'blackmail' accusations from Sporting Lisbon's president which have 'shaken up the market'

Daily Mail​

time26 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Arsenal 'preparing proposal to sign Viktor Gyokeres' amid explosive 'blackmail' accusations from Sporting Lisbon's president which have 'shaken up the market'

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to 'formalise a proposal' for the signing of Viktor Gyokeres amid explosive 'blackmail' accusations from Sporting Lisbon's president, which are said to have 'shaken up the market'. Frederico Varandas responded to reports that a 'furious' Gyokeres had gone on strike after the club refused to honour a gentleman's agreement that would have allowed him to leave for a €80m (£67m) fee - considerably lower than his €100m (£84m) release clause. The Sporting president claimed that 'threats, blackmail and insults' will not persuade him to yield from his position, as per Portuguese outlet Record. He also insisted that he never promised the Swede he could depart for a cut-price fee. According to A Bola, Varandas' comments have 'shaken up the market' for the prolific forward, who has been linked with Manchester United, Juventus and the Gunners. Their report claims that amid the messy break-up, Mikel Arteta 's side are getting ready to table a proposal for Gyokeres, with his agent said to already be in London discussing a potential deal. Arsenal are in the market for a striker this summer and have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, believed to be their No 1 target. Last week they were reported to have made a formal approach for the player, in order to explore what a deal would look like if they were to bring the 22-year-old to north London, however there is yet to be an offer forthcoming. It is thought that Leipzig would value the player similarly to the nine-figure sums connected to the likes of Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. Mail Sport reported last week that Arsenal are hoping to secure a deal of around £70million. The developments in Gyokeres' situation could yet see him fetch a similar price in a staggeringly expensive striker market. In his explosive statement on Wednesday, Varandas guarenteed that Gyokeres would not leave the Portuguese capital for for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m), adding: ''This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyokeres, neither today nor last season.' The president did admit that there was an agreement in regards to the release clause not needing to be met, but the fee they would indeed request was never agreed. Gyokeres has removed any reference to Sporting on his Instagram account, having also got rid of any mention of Sweden and Nike. He has three years remaining on his contract in Lisbon, but he is determined to take on a new challenge after just two years at the club, where he won the league twice, and completed a domestic double this campaign. Rui Borges, Sporting manager, was asked about Gyokeres when attending an event on Tuesday to mark the 99th anniversary of provincial team Sport Clube de Mirandela - the club where his football journey began - but refused to give anything away. 'Gyokeres? Sporting's future begins on July 1st,' Borges told reporters. 'That's all I can say and today I'm here to, above all, salute this tribute that was paid to me. That's all. I'm on vacation, I'm not here to talk about that.' Meanwhile, United have maintained contact with the striker and are said to be 'exploring the conditions' of a potential deal. The 27-year-old has long been touted as United's top transfer target, with the Swede having previously worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting. The financial impact United's failure to qualify for European football initially looked to severely damaged their hopes of securing the striker, who netted 39 league goals from just 31 starts in the Portuguese top flight last season.

Marseille reach ‘agreement in principle' to sign England midfielder Angel Gomes
Marseille reach ‘agreement in principle' to sign England midfielder Angel Gomes

BreakingNews.ie

time33 minutes ago

  • BreakingNews.ie

Marseille reach ‘agreement in principle' to sign England midfielder Angel Gomes

Angel Gomes is set to join Marseille after the Ligue 1 club announced they had reached an 'agreement in principle' to sign the England midfielder. The former Manchester United youngster is set to become a free agent when his contract with another French side in Lille expires at the end of this month. Advertisement The 24-year-old could also be joined by Burnley's CJ Egan-Riley at the Stade Velodrome after the Clarets confirmed the defender had rejected the offer of a new deal at Turf Moor. 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 🤝 Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Angel Gomes regarding the arrival of the English international midfielder at the club. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 — Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) June 11, 2025 Gomes joined Lille five years ago after failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at Old Trafford. His performances have since earned him four England caps. He had been linked with West Ham and Tottenham but has opted for Marseille, where he will link up with another former United player in Mason Greenwood. Advertisement A statement from Marseille read: 'Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Angel Gomes regarding the arrival of the English international midfielder at the club.' Egan-Riley, who is a graduate of Manchester City's youth programme, impressed as Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League last season but was also out of contract this summer. The Lancashire side were keen for the 22-year-old to stay but have accepted he wishes to move on. Egan-Riley also looks to be heading to France (Mike Egerton/PA) They confirmed the centre-back's departure in a statement which referred to him joining an unnamed Ligue 1 club. It has been widely claimed that is Marseille. Advertisement The statement added: 'Burnley Football Club can confirm that it has been informed by the representatives of CJ Egan-Riley that the England U21 international defender has now formally rejected the club's offer of a significant long-term contract with the club. 'Despite the club's commitment to securing CJ's long-term future and the substantial investment offered, CJ has made the decision to pursue an opportunity in France.'

Liverpool target PSG star Barcola after Wirtz with transfer spending to top £300MILLION – and haven't ruled out Isak
Liverpool target PSG star Barcola after Wirtz with transfer spending to top £300MILLION – and haven't ruled out Isak

Scottish Sun

time40 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Liverpool target PSG star Barcola after Wirtz with transfer spending to top £300MILLION – and haven't ruled out Isak

Liverpool ready to sell three stars to raise funds LIV IN HOPE Liverpool target PSG star Barcola after Wirtz with transfer spending to top £300MILLION – and haven't ruled out Isak Advertisement LIVERPOOL are set to swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola — pushing their summer spending over £300MILLION. Advertisement The Premier League champs intend to spend big on another attacker even after they complete a British-transfer record £127million deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. Advertisement 5 Bradley Barcola has emerged as a shock target for Liverpool Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Liverpool still have hope of signing Alexander Isak Credit: Getty 5 Florian Wirtz is set to move to Anfield in a record £127m deal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement And they are prepared to battle Bayern Munich for £100m-rated winger Barcola, 22. Advertisement Liverpool have also not given up all hope of prising Alexander Isak away from Newcastle. Advertisement Kop chiefs would still love 23-goal Isak to lead their new-look frontline. But if the Toon insist on a fee of around £150m for the 25-year-old Sweden international, Liverpool will bow out and look for an alternative. And Barcola has emerged as a spectacular Plan B after doubts emerged over his future with Champions League winners PSG. The Anfield giants have already spent £29.5m on Wirtz's Leverkusen team-mate, defender Jeremie Frimpong, 24, with another £40m-plus earmarked for Bournemouth's 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez. Advertisement But it is the prospect of Barcola teaming up with Wirtz, 22, and Anfield icon Mo Salah, 32, which will have fans pinching themselves. Advertisement Barcola, who is Bayern's No 1 target, is no longer part of PSG's first-choice front three. Advertisement JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Advertisement 5 He found himself on the bench again for last month's Champions League final against Inter Milan, coming on in the 67th minute and teeing up Senny Mayulu for the last goal in the 5-0 thrashing. Advertisement Bayern have made no secret of their intention to test PSG's resolve to keep Barcola, who they signed from Lyon for £38m in 2023. Advertisement Liverpool will look to raise funds by offloading erratic forward Darwin Nunez, 25, and will also consider offers for 28-year-old pair Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota. 5 Advertisement TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store