French football analyst Julien Laurens has explained to FourFourTwo why Arsenal will go into the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain with less pressure on their shoulders.

Laurens, who is also an ESPN journalist, shared with FourFourTwo that he expects the final to be much tighter than many are predicting.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain claimed their first Champions League title last year with a dominant 5-0 victory in Munich. This time, newly crowned Premier League champions Arsenal stand between them and back-to-back titles in Saturday’s final.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Laurens said that Mikel Arteta already has a clear idea of how to overcome the reigning champions, drawing lessons from an earlier fixture in the tournament. He believes the clash in Budapest will be a fascinating tactical contest where keeping possession will be crucial.

Laurens said, “I think these are the two best sides in Europe at the moment. Bayern Munich might have been there, but Arsenal beat Bayern, and PSG knocked them out. For me, Arsenal are the toughest opponent PSG could face in the final.”

He elaborated, “Look at Bayern, or before that, Liverpool and Chelsea — those teams are attacking and play open football. They put you under pressure, but that also gives you space to play your own game if you’re PSG, especially at home.”

Laurens compared Arsenal’s approach to that of Monaco, who troubled PSG earlier in the competition. “In a single match, Arsenal will be closer to what Monaco did against PSG in the playoffs — those were the two most challenging matches PSG faced in the knockout rounds this season.

“Arsenal are similar to Monaco, though a stronger version. They control the tempo, play with intensity and physicality, and defend with structure. Bayern are physically aggressive in attack, while Arsenal’s physicality comes from their control and defensive organisation — something that’s hard to counter, even with players like Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Neves, or Vitinha.”

Laurens suggested that PSG coach Luis Enrique will be aware of this tactical nuance. “I wonder if Enrique realises Arsenal might actually prefer not to dominate possession against PSG. Whatever Arteta says about wanting to control the ball, I don’t think that’s true in this matchup. Maybe PSG should let Arsenal have the ball a bit more.”

Although PSG are widely seen as favourites, Laurens believes the final will be far more balanced than expected. He also feels Arsenal’s recent Premier League triumph will ease some of the psychological burden on Arteta’s players.

“It’s going to be a fascinating and much tighter game than people expect,” he said. “Anyone saying Arsenal or PSG are clear favourites is mistaken. Arsenal’s Premier League title win has taken a huge weight off their shoulders, and that could work in their favour.”

Laurens continued, “I’m not saying the final is just a bonus, but at the start of the season, Arsenal’s primary goal was to win the Premier League. If they now go on to claim the Champions League too, it would be an incredible double. It’s 50/50 — maybe 55/45 in PSG’s favour because they are the defending champions.”

He also highlighted the experience factor. “Playing in last year’s final gives PSG a big psychological advantage. Many Arsenal players haven’t been in a final of this magnitude before — Saka has played in a Euros final, but aside from Kai Havertz, none of them have featured in a Champions League final.”

“That’s an advantage for PSG,” Laurens added, “but it helps Arsenal that they’ve already secured the league title before the season’s last game.”