Arsenal’s Champions League Loss Made Clear What Signings Are Needed

BusinessSportsMoneyArsenal’s Champions League Loss Made Clear What Signings Are NeededByGraham Ruthven,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a soccer writer based in the United KingdomFollow AuthorJun 01, 2026, 07:50am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIn a season dominated by Arsenal on the domestic front, Saturday brought continental disappointment for Mikel Arteta and his players. After taking the lead inside the first six minutes, the Gunners couldn’t hold on in the Champions League final, ultimately losing to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout.Against the defending European champions, Arsenal lacked the creative and attacking tools to score more than once. Arteta has forged the strongest defensive unit in Europe, but the Gunners ultimately needed more than that to get their hands on the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history.When Arteta made changes in the second half in an attempt to swing the match back towards his side, he only had Gabriel Martinelli to use off the bench as a vertical threat. The Brazilian was meant to give Arsenal another dangerous forward on the break with PSG affording the Premier League team space to attack.BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - MAY 30: Gabriel of Arsenal reacts after he misses the team's fifth penalty during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMartinelli had an opportunity to get Arsenal in behind and through on goal, but he s...