Arsene Wenger has declared he would back Arsenal over Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's UEFA Champions League final, describing the clash as too close to call — but tipping his former club to claim the trophy.

Wenger, now serving as FIFA's head of global development, told UEFA that he is eager to see manager Mikel Arteta deliver Champions League glory to the Emirates Stadium. "I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it's missing there," he said. "We touched it before — we were thirteen minutes away from winning it — so you want it to happen this time."

A final still to be settled

The legendary former Arsenal boss was candid about the difficulty of predicting the outcome. "I still believe it's fifty-fifty in the final, and if I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain," he said.

Wenger pointed to the consistency and quality Arsenal have shown across the campaign as justification for his confidence. "I feel the club deserves it, this season deserves it, and the consistency of the team deserves it."

Thirteen minutes from glory in 2006

Wenger guided Arsenal to the Champions League final in 2006, where they faced Barcelona. The Gunners led 1-0 for much of the match after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off early, reducing the side to ten men. Barcelona eventually mounted a comeback to win the trophy in the closing stages — leaving Arsenal within thirteen minutes of what would have been a historic victory.

"When I arrived at Arsenal, the club had very little Champions League history," Wenger reflected. "Then we had 20 consecutive years of qualification, and now the crown of that history would be to become champions."

Building toward dominance

Wenger expressed belief that Arsenal have steadily constructed the foundations needed to compete at the very highest level. "I think Arsenal have slowly built a history that now allows them to win it," he said.

He also spoke of his ambitions beyond Saturday, suggesting the club are poised for broader success. "I also feel the time has come for Arsenal to dominate the Premier League consistently," he added.