PSG best team in the world, admits Arsenal's Arteta

Mikel Arteta admitted Paris Saint‑Germain currently stand above everyone else after Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat on penalties. Following a 1‑1 draw in Budapest, PSG secured a second straight title with a 4‑3 shoot‑out win, dominating possession and forcing Arsenal into long defensive phases. Arteta described the night as “pain”, conceding his Premier League champions were not yet at the French side’s level. He highlighted PSG’s extraordinary quality on the ball, insisting their individual brilliance and collective control left Arsenal with no choice but to defend deep.

Ousmane Dembele’s penalty cancelled Kai Havertz’s early strike, while Arsenal were frustrated by the decision not to award a spot‑kick for Noni Madueke. Arteta stressed that reaching the final for only the second time in club history must be a starting point, not an endpoint. To win the competition, he said, Arsenal must absorb the disappointment, improve again and match the rising standards across Europe.