Following Arsenal’s dramatic progression to the Champions League final after a tense semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, former Gunners defender Martin Keown has shared his thoughts on which team he hopes to see Mikel Arteta’s squad face in the title decider.
Arsenal secured their spot in the Budapest final scheduled for May 30, where they will meet either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain. The German and French giants are set to battle it out in the other semi-final.
When asked by talkSPORT to choose between the two potential opponents, Keown expressed a clear preference for facing Bayern Munich. “You know, I would actually choose Bayern Munich,” the former center-back stated.
Keown pointed to Arsenal’s earlier encounter with Bayern this season, which ended in a convincing 3-1 win for the Gunners. He believes that result gives Arteta’s men a psychological edge. “They have already faced each other; it ended 3-1 to us. Somehow I feel Arsenal might have a better chance against them,” Keown explained.
In contrast, Keown highlighted the formidable nature of Paris Saint-Germain, describing their playing style as “remarkable.” He noted that both managers share identical football philosophies, which could make for a more unpredictable contest. “With PSG, the way they play is just remarkable. The tactical approaches of the two coaches are exactly the same,” he added.
Keown’s comments come as Arsenal fans eagerly await the outcome of the Bayern-PSG clash, with many sharing their own preferences for the final. The Gunners will be hoping to lift their first Champions League trophy, and Keown’s backing of Bayern as a more favorable opponent may reflect a broader sentiment within the Arsenal camp.