Arsenal

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We asked for your views on the murmurings that Arsenal need to make changes to both their personnel and playing style if they are to improve their level next season.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Eddie: Some drastic changes need to be made. Our style of football has been dire and I'd go so far as to say we were borderline anti-football in the Champions League final. It stings when the average neutral fan is rooting for a team bankrolled by a nation state over us! Mikel Arteta's histrionics need to stop as well - just win graciously.

Kevin: Oh yes, change is absolutely required... it's not like they were good enough to win the Premier League or get to the Champions League final and get narrowly beaten by a team everyone thought would be a level above them, is it? Arsenal are in that sweet spot where they have been so good, for so long, that everyone is coming out of the woodwork to tell them how bad they are. Glorious! Come on, the Gunners!

Rachel: It's clear that Arsenal already have probably the best defence in Europe, so that does not need to change. We need to show more threat and intent up front, though. Ideally a killer striker, someone who is deadly. With the current profile of this club, there is surely someone out there at this level who is desperate to come and play for us!

Surajudeen: I believe the stats should be looked at. We are comfortable defensively because we have Declan Rice driving us in midfield. Apart from that, Bukayo Saka was absolutely atrocious and Martin Odegaard was a passenger. We need a new creative midfielder, two left wingers and a striker.

Kal: Under Arteta, Arsenal have made changes every year. Next season won't be any different. I expect the following outgoings: Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri. Likely incomings: Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers and Tino Livramento.

Mike: What a silly statement from Matthew Upson. Of course they will adapt and evolve - they have to and they are not stupid. Arteta is buying players for specific purposes, the club knows their style is not sustainable and they will adapt. Arsenal will tweak their style and try to make it stronger. Spurs are the ones that need a desperate shake-up. People should focus on the clubs that actually have issues, rather than making up issues for clubs that are working.

Chris Howard
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The culmination of Mikel Arteta's 'process', which has now been well and truly 'trusted', may have reached a climax with the Premier League trophy and subsequent parade this weekend just gone.

But, as Arteta alluded to himself already post-Champions League final defeat, the club always needs to move forward.

He will 100% be doing that now - I bet he doesn't even have a proper holiday - and he will be thinking about next season already! It is part of his DNA and I think it is right.

We have a great squad, a deep squad, but you can't stand still and neither should you in football because this is just a point in time.

You cannot keep all of your players happy and so, inevitably, there needs to be churn at the club. It is healthy, but Arteta needs to know who the key pillars are in his team.

Two years ago, I would have said Martin Odegaard but I'm not so sure now. I would have also said Gabriel Martinelli but, again, I don't think that is the case.

There are not many sacred cows in this Arsenal squad, and I don't think there should be. Change is risky for sure, but nothing lasts forever.

Fresh ideas don't just come from the manager or his coaching staff; they come from the players too, so I back Arteta to be looking at his squad and making some difficult decisions about players who we all really love but need to move on to make space, possibly for those new ideas and new ways of playing.

The great thing about the way Arteta and the club have gone about their player acquisition in the last three or four transfer windows is that they haven't just recruited for talent, but for mentality and personality too.

They do their due diligence and, for me, that's why I don't see change as a bad thing in terms of players leaving and new ones coming in to replace them.

Find more from Chris Howard at Suburban Gooners, external and the Same Old Arsenal Podcast, external

The aftermath of Arsenal's Premier League win and Champions League final defeat has already brought talk of necessary changes if the Gunners are to improve their level.

Take a glance at the page below to see what Matthew Upson thinks about possible tweaks, with other experts championing changes to Mikel Arteta's attack.

But is talk of change unfair? Aren't Arsenal already showing they are good enough? Is change risky - as Liverpool perhaps found out?

Tell us what needs to change? And if it's nothing, let us know why

Get in touch with your views here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have monitored Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who has Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City.

Even though Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions in his first season with Arsenal, that could be an area that can be strengthened.

Arsenal are also looking to strengthen on the left wing, and Mikel Arteta said that he and the club will "start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level".

There will be an examination of whether Arteta's current group of forwards are capable of adapting style. Some are eminently capable.

"I think [Bukayo] Saka will be in that bracket," said former Gunners defender and Premier League winner Matthew Upson.

"[Leandro] Trossard is very good with the ball. Technically he's an excellent player."

Upson also pointed to the full-back roles, and how attacks can be launched from those positions.

"I saw that last night with the Paris St-Germain team, how important the full-backs are in how they're willing to go the other way and be real catalysts for those attacks," Upson said.

"So I think that's another interesting feature, but I think they've got the players [at Arsenal]. I think they've got really good technical players, top level players with the ball."

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on their way to the Champions League final.

It was a terrific feat and to take PSG to penalties was commendable, but Upson believes the Gunners need to show more on the ball if they are end their wait for Champions League glory.

"Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, PSG - you're going to come up against two or three of these throughout the tournament in the need to win it," Upson said.

"That's going to be difficult over two legs if you're not going to have a little bit more possession. For me, that could be a feature that you see from Arsenal next season."

Read more on Arteta's approach

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are fresh from Champions League final heartbreak but there is no time to wallow.

Sunday's Premier League title celebrations in north London may have refocused minds on next season's missions, when they will aim to stay at the top of the English game and go a step further in Europe.

The Gunners had less than 25% of possession, and Kai Havertz's early opening goal was their only shot on target in 120 minutes of football.

After the game, PSG midfielder Joao Neves said Luis Enrique's side had been "the only one who wanted to play".

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described PSG as "the best team in the world" and hinted that his side could look to emulate the French side's style of play in the future.

"What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven't seen it," he said.

"We need to do better, we have to improve and find different margins to get the outcome that we want."

So does the Spaniard need to refine his style for next season to push Arsenal to the next level, build up their possession numbers, and keep challengers at bay?

PSG played 885 passes during the final, more than three times the 285 Arsenal managed.

Despite winning a first Premier League title in 22 years, Arsenal have been criticised for their style of play throughout the season because of their threat from set-pieces and a perception they lack creativity from open play.

Across all competitions, they won 20 games by a single-goal margin.

Arteta has spent more than £900m on signings since taking over as Arsenal manager in 2019. Although he has transformed the club from where he found it, some have questioned whether Arsenal should be playing a more attractive brand of football by now.

With his side having got over the psychological block of winning the Premier League title, now could be an ideal time for Arteta to make a style switch, even if adjusting a winning formula brings with it the element of a gamble.

David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice have been Arsenal's standout players this season, which shows that the Gunners' excellence has been in their backline and defensive areas.

No Arsenal forwards were included among nominees for the Premier League's Player of the Season award.

Read more on Arteta's approach

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Aston Villa's England winger Morgan Rogers, 23, as he bids to build on their Premier League title success although Champions League winners Paris St-Germain are also interested. (Mirror), external

Key figures at Real Madrid'srecruitment team are urging the club to pursue a move for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice having been impressed by the 27-year-old England international's leadership, physicality and technical qualities. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham,Liverpool and Newcastle are all interested in AC Milan's Portuguese winger Rafael Leao with the 26-year-old keen to leave San Siro this summer. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Paris St-Germainhave cooled their interest inAtletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez but the 26-year-old Argentina international is still on the radar ofArsenal and Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The morning after the night before in Budapest, Arsenal fans were beginning the long journey back home, moving around the city with a quiet resignation. The red shirts were looking a little more muted in this grand European city.

Off the pitch for much of the game, Paris St-Germain's famously buoyant band of ultras were kept quiet. On the pitch for much of the game, the greatest team in the world - and undeniably the more talented team on the night - were kept quiet.

We simply refused to lose.

Piero Hincapie was incredible under heavy bombardment, spidery and wily. Cristhian Mosquera denied Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with little trouble until rashly giving away the penalty. Jurrien Timber looked like his seamless self when he came on. Central midfielders Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly were simply wow.

It is true we lacked emphasis and quality going forward, but that is to be expected when you go ahead so early. PSG are the best team in the world and were always going to dominate the ball.

In those exhausting circumstances, after an exhausting season, it would be easy to go to pieces.

PSG missed some good chances after they levelled but, if anything, Arsenal were more committed to the cause after the blow of being pegged back.

The cruelty of the penalties should force us to recruit positively in forward areas this summer, but arguably that is a cosmetic fix.

The culture of this Arsenal team - of unwavering commitment, organisation and determination - is what makes me believe we are here to stay.

We have scaled the mountain of the Premier League over 38 games. We were unbeaten in the Champions League.

Glorious failure is always beautiful, but glorious failure when there is more to come just whets the appetite.

Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

It has been 22 years since Arsenal were able to celebrate Premier League glory with their supporters, so there is no doubt spirits will still be high despite narrowly missing out on the Champions League title on Saturday.

The squad have rushed back from Puskas Arena in Budapest to celebrate their achievement, 11 days after clinching the title and seven days after lifting the trophy.

The club will to take to the streets in their home borough of Islington for an open-top victory parade on Sunday afternoon - and BBC News will be providing live coverage of the celebrations from 14:00 BST.

Arsenal say the five-mile loop will start at Emirates Stadium, taking in much of Highbury, Canonbury and Upper Street before returning to their home ground.

Follow live text coverage of the parade here

Image source, Getty Images

You've been sending us your comments after Arsenal lost Saturday's Champions League final to Paris St-Germain on penalties.

You were all keen to have your say, so here are some more of your views:

Glen: Overall, I thought Arsenal dealt with PSG very well and restricted them to very few real goalscoring opportunities. The one gripe I have, although I love him as a player, is why Eberechi Eze did that stupid stuttering run-up? It just doesn't work or even look comfortable. Marcus Rashford did it for England and missed, so why do it? Just have a good run-up and thump the thing. Why don't these managers tell their players that those run-ups are rubbish?

Jan: My thoughts are that Arsenal got to the final, they did their best and it was a great game for all. No Arsenal player needs to feel they have let the club down because they have been amazing all season. At the end of the day, no other club in the UK got to the final. Well done, lads. I look forward to seeing you next season!

John: After Arsenal scored a brilliantly taken goal, they didn't really have an answer to PSG's fast-possession play and they were slowly ground down. During the penalty shootout, the two Arsenal players that missed were the ones who tried to take glamorous penalties. All you have got to do is hit the target - no-one can criticise you if the penalty is saved. That is what cost Arsenal the trophy.

Martyn: A fantastic defensive display by Arsenal. I think fatigue took its toll, though. In the last 10 minutes we were shattered and didn't have any new answers. I also felt Bukayo Saka and Eze could have produced more. We still have so much to look forward to. This could be an amazing new adventure, but we need to get the perfect balance between defence and attack.

David: It's impossible to match teams like PSG when English clubs play so many minutes a season and those minutes are so much more intense. Watch now as a super talented England team look jaded, slow and fatigued. They will all have 10 minutes rest after the World Cup before they start all over again. Fatigue crushes talent.

Sue: I'm so proud of this team and Mikel Arteta. What an amazing achievement. It's not just about the football, but how they conduct themselves, how they stay together in the face of adversity and how they support each other. Stay strong and be proud.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha believes Arsenal are in a strong position to challenge for the Champions League again next season, as Mikel Arteta's side continue to show progression "year in and year out".

"There is disappointment that they haven't won the Champions League, but there is real joy they have won the Premier League," Onuoha said on Champions League Match of the Day.

"In a different season, maybe they would have won the Carabao Cup in the final against Manchester City as well.

"The fact that they have made it this far, you can see the progress that is happening year in and year out. Progress itself isn't necessarily going to be linear, but it almost feels like it has been for Arsenal in recent years.

"As they approach next season, they are in a good financial position, the squad is at a good age and they know they are one of the best teams in all of Europe.

"If things go their way, they will be back here [in the Champions League final] next year - and maybe they can get across the line."

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin added: "You look at the players they have got, the ones they have brought in, and I don't think we have seen the best of Eberechi Eze yet in an Arsenal shirt or even Noni Madueke.

"I suspect they will be even better next year."

Watch the highlights and analysis in full on BBC iPlayer

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"Pain" - that was the first word out of Mikel Arteta's mouth in his post-match news conference when asked how he would sum up his side's Champions League final defeat in Budapest.

Arsenal, who were unbeaten in the competition this season heading into Saturday's final, missed out on becoming European invincibles with their penalty shootout defeat.

Before the game, Arteta said he wanted to use their Premier League success as a platform to reach bigger destinations and aim for more silverware.

But, unfortunately, his side fell at the final hurdle in their pursuit of a first European trophy, in their first Champions League final since 2006.

Arsenal have still had an excellent season, having won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, but could the manner of the defeat be what pushes them on next season?

The manager and players understandably looked dejected after the full-time whistle.

"It is very tough to accept when you are so consistent all the way to the final, and in the end you lose the trophy on penalties," Arteta said.

"We need to do better, we have to improve and we have to find different margins to get the outcome we want."

He has already turned his attention to next season and helping Arsenal return to this stage.

"First of all, I will take a few days with my family and then we will start the process to review what we have done," he said. "We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.

"We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart."

Arsenal spent around £250m in last summer's transfer window and they look set to invest again, with a midfielder, left winger and striker all targets this summer.

"They are 100% not going away," former Manchester City defender Nedum Onouha told BBC Sport. "They have shown this season and last season that they are good enough to go deep in the Champions League.

"Even though they have lost, they are still one of the best teams in Europe."

Read the full article here

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, MIRROR/TELEGRAPH

The defining image of Arsenal's Champions League final defeat was Gabriel standing with his head in his hands as he was consoled by Paris St-Germain captain and Brazil team-mate Marquinhos.

It was a cruel end to the defender's first European final. His penalty, blasted over the crossbar, proved decisive as the Gunners suffered shootout heartbreak and Paris St-Germain successfully defended their title.

It was the first penalty Gabriel had taken for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing the defender had "prepared and trained for this moment".

"He wanted to take it," Arteta said. "Normally the penalty takers would be Bukayo [Saka], Martin [Odegaard] and Kai [Havertz] - but we knew if the game went to extra-time and penalties, different players would have to step forward."

The Brazilian, one of Arteta's first signings after taking charge in December 2019, has been a driving force behind the club's rise back to the summit of English football and their Premier League title triumph this season.

He started 48 of their 63 matches across all competitions and contributed nine goals and assists - more than both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.

While rival fans may focus on his miss in Budapest, Arsenal supporters will remember the countless occasions he delivered for his side, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Newcastle United in September.

"I've just listened to Declan Rice talking about how he has run out of words to describe Gabriel because he has been so important and so good all season," former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Sport.

"So for him to be the one who misses the penalty is heart-breaking. I think everyone will rally around him because Arsenal would not have won the Premier League without him. He has been invaluable.

"Unfortunately, he has experienced what every player dreads - missing the penalty that decides a final."

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson added: "It is a cruel blow for a player who has been a tower of strength for his club.

"Gabriel gave everything for his team. He showed the mentality and courage to step forward and take responsibility, which is all you can ask of any player."

For one night, Gabriel was the face of Arsenal's heartbreak. However, it should not detract from the fact he was one of the reasons they got there in the first place.

Read the full article here

Image source, Getty Images

Despite being close to the "greatness" winning the Champions League would have brought, Arsenal will celebrate achieving their "number-one target", according to BBC Radio 5 Live's chief football correspondent John Murray.

He told the Football Daily podcast after the Gunners' defeat on penalties by Paris St-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final: "Obviously there will be disappointment for Arsenal supporters that they haven't been able to lift this trophy as well and make it an unforgettable season.

"It would have been greatness - that's how close they were. A penalty shootout away from this team being remembered forever.

"However, they have achieved the number-one target. After finishing runners-up three years running, it was loaded on Arsenal.

"With the money they spent last summer, that recruitment that they made, it had to be the Premier League. They've won that and that's what they'll celebrate in north London [at Sunday's parade]."

French football journalist Julien Laurens added: "They will come back stronger but they're not far off - that's the most important.

"They were a penalty away. That's how close they are to winning the Champions League and they should not forget that."

Hear more reaction on the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Arsenal will parade the Premier League trophy through Islington on Sunday, with four open-top buses due to set off at 14:00 BST.

Unfortunately for Gunners fans, it won't also mark a Champions League victory, after Saturday's heartbreaking defeat on penalties by Paris St-Germain in Budapest.

The club's men's and women's teams will both take part. The women's side will display the Fifa Women's Champions Cup, which they won earlier this season.

The route

The parade will follow a roughly five-mile loop through Islington, taking in much of Highbury, Canonbury and Upper Street before returning to the Emirates area.

From the stadium, the buses will enter Holloway Road from Drayton Park. The route continues east along Seven Sisters Road before heading down Blackstock Road, Mount Grove Road and Green Lanes.

Continuing south along Petherton Road, Beresford Road and Newington Green Road, the bus heads south along Essex Road before turning north at Angel Tube station on to Upper Street - the borough's main High Street.

The bus then heads towards Highbury and Islington station and back on to the Holloway Road before returning to Arsenal's home ground, where the route started.

The Emirates Stadium itself, Drayton Park and the immediately surrounding streets will be sealed off as no-pedestrian-access zones. The club has asked fans not to gather at the stadium, Hornsey Road, Benwell Road or Drayton Park, saying the teams will not be visible from those locations.

Highbury Fields, which sits inside the loop near Highbury & Islington station, is likely to be one of the busiest areas.

The nearest Tube and rail stations to the route are Finsbury Park, Arsenal, Holloway Road, Highbury & Islington and Angel.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you how you're feeling after Arsenal were beaten on penalties by Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final.

Here are some of your comments:

Pablo: So many people were saying PSG would wipe the floor with us. They didn't, we went toe to toe - and in the end, the bitter pill of penalties. I'm incredibly proud of the boys. We'll come back stronger next year. COYG!

Andy: The boys played well and did us proud. There's no disgrace in losing to the current champions in a penalty shootout - especially when nobody gave us a chance.

David: It may be a loss in a Champions League final, but the season overall has been a success with winning the league. People might say Arsenal bottled it but, let's be honest, PSG are a very good side. Penalties are never an easy way to decide a game. We move on and regroup over the summer and prepare for the challenge ahead next season. We will come again. Come on, you Gunners!

Louis: The best team won. Congrats to PSG. As an Arsenal fan, I was very frustrated with our tactics, sitting back and passing backwards and sideways. Only 25% possession and one shot on target says it all. Dreadful penalty misses.

Larissa: It was a great effort. I just feel we could have been more brave in extra time to go for the win. Two poor penalties but it's fine lines. We had a great season - some good investment in the summer and we go again. Proud of the team.

Will: Arsenal defended superbly, but maybe just lacked that bit of magic PSG possess. So unfair that Gabi was the one to miss the penalty because he has been our wall at the back all season.

Lou: I remember back when we were still in the running for four trophies, my family asked me if I could have just one, which would I pick? I remember I said the Premier League; to sock it to Manchester City, who were smug in our faces when they overtook us three seasons ago, and to finally beat the bottle tag, stop saying 'maybe next time' and actually do it. Now, I'm sorry about the Champions League, but I'm still so proud those brave boys have got Premier League medals - and they deserve more in future years.

Martin: So much nonsense talked about this game. Possession is not control. PSG looked devoid of ideas and played with a lot of fear because Arsenal's counter-attacks created the better chances. If there is a criticism of Arsenal, it's that they didn't have the courage to go for the jugular, when they were the more complete team.

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