Exclusive: William Gallas states Champions League glory would 'transform' Arsenal

A victory for the Gunners would represent their first Champions League triumph, and write the 2026 side into the history books as they achieve a double under manager Mikel Arteta.

A goal from Bukayo Saka in the semi-final against Atletico Madrid secured their second European final, the first since losing to Barcelona in Paris in 2006.

Curiously, this is a repeat of last season's semi-finals, which PSG won 3-1. As Arsenal look to create history, Arteta will study that match to see where his side went wrong.

Building on the momentum

Speaking exclusively to Tribal Football via SveaCasino, Gallas opened up about Arsenal's Premier League title triumph as they lifted the trophy one week before one of the biggest games in the club's 140-year history.

Gallas thinks that even after being crowned champions of England, they might find it difficult to achieve such success consistently in the coming years.

Is Arsenal capable of dominating English football over the next few years?

"Arsenal have won the title, but I do not think they will dominate the Premier League next season or in the future.

This season they were great. They fought in every game, and they were more robust, particularly mentally. But from a footballing perspective, I do not think they were truly dominant in the league.

Especially when they faced, for example, Manchester City, they found themselves in a difficult situation, be it the Carabao Cup or the league. It is teams like Manchester City that have dominated the Premier League for many years, with their style of play.

When we examine Arsenal's results, they have scored many goals from set pieces. At times, their style of play made it difficult even for them to create chances or score goals. This season they thoroughly deserved to win the league, but it is not guaranteed next year."

Champions League merely a bonus

Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the league title last week, and the team will need to stay fearless going into the match against PSG, as the current European champions will certainly not show any restraint at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Gallas, who reached the semi-finals with Chelsea in the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons, discussed how Arsenal could change as a club if they go all the way this year.

Might winning the Champions League transform Arsenal? Would they finally be counted among Europe's elite clubs?

"Securing the Champions League after claiming the Premier League would revolutionise Arsenal as a club, partly because they have never won it before and partly because they are up against a side widely regarded as the best in Europe by a considerable margin.

Anything is possible in a one-off match, so despite being underdogs, Arsenal have a fantastic opportunity to lift that trophy.

To be honest, it is going to be tough given the attacking talent PSG possess. However, victory would make this the greatest season in Arsenal's history. Everyone would view them differently.

Next season, other clubs will be far more concerned about facing Arsenal, knowing they are capable of beating anyone."

If you could offer one piece of advice to this Arsenal team ahead of the Champions League final, what would it be?

"I believe winning the Champions League would be a bonus for Arsenal, but their primary objective was to win the Premier League after coming so close for so many years.

I think the one risk would have been if the players were already focusing on the Champions League final, but that was not the case because no one in their squad had previously won the Premier League. Now they have achieved that.

They all understood the importance of the Premier League, and at this moment I think they regard the Champions League as merely a bonus. Now that they have won the league, anything can happen against PSG, but they are clear on where their focus lies."